Gene Marshall Jinings

Gene, devoted husband and dearly loved father, left us on May 8, 2026. He was preceded in death by Eileen, his loving wife of almost 75 years and his parents, Violet and Harold Jinings. He is survived by his daughters Linda (John), Susan (Michael) and Marsha (Tony); his grandchildren Jennifer, David, Kirsten, Jason, Anthony and Angelo; 15 great-grandchildren; and numerous dear friends.

Gene was born February 26, 1926, on a farm near Minden, Nebraska, where he lived until his early teens. The family moved to Norfolk, Nebraska, where he attended two years of high school before a move to Bellevue, Nebraska, where he graduated high school.

After graduation, Gene joined the Navy in 1944, completing boot camp at the Farragut Naval Training Center in Northern Idaho, before shipping out from San Francisco to the Pacific. He served 15 months on the USS Wiley during the war. After the war the Wiley was used to clear mines, at which time Gene had the opportunity to spend time in China before returning home to Bellevue and serving four years in the reserves.

Gene began work in construction, learning the trade. On weekends, he and a friend regularly went dancing and even taught dancing. He was a regular at the Music Box in Omaha, where he met Eileen in April of 1947. They knew right away that they were meant for each other and were married October 24th of the same year.

They briefly lived in Omaha, but truly began their married life soon after in Bellevue, Nebraska, where they had their three girls and lived there until 1970. Gene’s work in construction greatly expanded during these years and ultimately led to his own construction company, GEM Construction. Eileen worked hand-in-hand with him as she managed the business.

Due to Gene’s health issues they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he once again found work in construction, though much of the work was now managing jobs. Gene and Eileen loved their time in New Mexico and exploring the southwest. Their next change in life took them to Colorado Springs in 1980 where they continued their exploration of the natural world, taking road trips almost every weekend. They lived a full and active life that included their devotion to the First Presbyterian Church and their good friends at the coffee shop. In July of 2019 they returned to Nebraska to be near family, particularly enjoying time with some of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The last chapter of Gene’s life was spent at Chapters Living in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He and Eileen moved there to access help needed for her care. Their lives together ended when she died on Easter Sunday of 2022. He continued to live there independently and ultimately celebrated his 100th birthday February 26, 2026.

Gene was a very special person. He and Eileen shared an exceptional bond that few couples achieve. Eileen was the love of his life, as he was hers. They were devoted to each other and intimately involved in the other’s life. Gene never left the house without a kiss and an “I love you” for Eileen. He had a joy for life, a sense of exploration and a tremendous sense of humor, which was readily evident on his face. He will be sorely missed by all of us.