Gene was born on January 20, 1928 in Tacoma, Washington.
He attended Highland High School and served in the U.S. Navy and then the U.S. Army. After serving, he settled in Tieton, Washington and worked for Boise Cascade as a tree cruiser while slowly planting his first apple ranch, which kept him very busy until he retired. Gene loved to fish, hunt, and tease those he loved. Many days he could be found having coffee at Vickie’s Cafe with fellow ranchers.
Gene is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alberta, his daughters Christine Knutson (Anna Chavelle) and Janice Adams, grandchildren Jolene Tobius (Chad) and Jeff Dietz (fiancé Brooke Martens), and great grandchildren Kevin, Brycen, Adisyn and Avagail.
At his request there will be no services. Just remember to eat an apple a day. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Cottage in the Meadow, 1208 S. 48th Ave., Yakima WA, 98908. To share a memory of Gene go to www.lepfuneralhome.com.
