Dudley Eugene "Gene" Altizer

Gene, a native of Arlington, is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Alton Altizer, his sister Alma Heiser, and his brother Ervin Altizer.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margaret Altizer, his daughters Cindy Duncan, Wendy Osteguin and their husbands, Jimmy Duncan and Carlos Osteguin. His six grandchildren, Michael Duncan, Megan Griggs, and Nicholas, Matthew, Emily and Daniel Osteguin. His three Great-Grandchildren, Jackson Griggs, Madison Griggs, and Carter Duncan. He is also survived by his sisters Betty Jane Garneau and Charlotte Mullins, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene grew up in Arlington, which at the time was just a rural suburb of Washington, DC and this suited Gene just fine. He along with his brother Ervin frequently took off on their bikes to explore and satisfy their boyhood curiosity. The boys knew when to be home for dinner and they always respected the rules set out by their parents. When he was about eleven years old he began working at the local bicycle shop and Doll Hospital. He repaired bikes and assembled new bikes for customers. He said people would bring in their daughters’ favorite dolls that needed to be repaired and put back together when arms, legs and heads got disconnected. Gene was proud to be of the generation that repaired, restored and recycled. He was a hard worker and didn’t believe in wasting time. The Lord gave him the day and he wasn’t going to waste it by doing nothing. Gene took a lot of pride in his work and that same pride and determination continued throughout his life.

Gene had to work hard in school and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1959. When he graduated, he went right to work into the auto repair business earning quite a reputation for his abilities. He had a passion for motorcycles and cars. He spent his entire life committed to fixing what many would say can’t be fixed. His “can do” spirit was reflected in the race cars he built. With limited resources, Gene was given the nick name “Pak Rat” for good reason. His cars were often built with parts that others had discarded. When you combine Gene’s mechanical skills with his dare devil spirit and love for speed, it’s not surprising drag racing became an important part of his life.

His accomplishments in racing are well documented. The 1963 A/Gas National Championship, the Legends Award, the Drag Times Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legion of Honor award. In addition, Gene was inducted into the Wakefield High School Hall of Fame in 2019 for his accomplishments as a mechanic, car builder, driver, and NHRA Championship/Record Holder.

Gene was a unique, talented and special human being who will be remembered and missed by family, friends and acquaintances alike.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Gene's name.

The Visitation for Gene will be held Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 10:00 o'clock until 11:00 o'clock at National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. The Funeral Service will occur Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 11:00 o'clock until 12:00 o'clock, at National Funeral Home.The Committal Service will follow the service at National Memorial Park.