Eugene "Gene" John Lebold

Eugene John Lebold was born on June 20, 1932 in Salem, Oregon to Lloyd Augustus Lebold and Ingeborg "Mildred" (Funseth) Lebold. Gene was the eldest of four children. The Lebold siblings and their parents were close-knit and in the 60's and 70's, the cousins all looked forward to Saturday afternoons at Grandma and Grandpa's house where they played for hours while their parents visited.

Gene grew up on Trade Street and attended Salem area schools. He graduated from Salem Academy and Salem High School in 1950. He enlisted in the National Guard, later becoming a Sergeant in the US Army. Gene was stationed in quite a few places including New York, Washington, and Greenland. It was in New York where Gene became a Yankee's fan and caught the jazz bug after seeing Louis Armstrong in concert. His love of sports and music grew over the years.

Gene married Donna Satter in 1960. Nancy and John joined siblings Gregg, Denise and Jeff in 1961 and 1962. The family moved from Salem to Dallas, Oregon in 1965 where together Gene and Donna raised their family. Donna passed away in the summer of 1979.

Gene attended Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1954. He went on to teach in Sweet Home, Dallas, and Bridgeport. Gene obtained his Masters in Education in 1965, later becoming principal of Bridgeport and Morrison Elementary schools, retiring from Oakdale Heights Elementary in 1987.

Gene loved the community of Dallas. In the '60s and '70s, he photographed local sports for Dallas schools as well as Kids Incorporated. Gene wrote a column, 'The Traveler' using the pen name 'C. Bogle' for the Itemizer Observer for many years, unbeknownst to many. Gene was an amazing softball player with one of the best arms in the pacific northwest. He bowled for years in leagues at his Brother, Don's bowling alley, Town & Country Bowl in Keizer.

During his lifetime, Gene was a member of the Elks, Lions Club and a past president of Rotary International, receiving the Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award and medal.

Gene was an accomplished golfer and was a member of Salem Golf Club for over 30 years, winning many father-son tournaments with his Son, John.

In 1981, Gene was introduced to Jean Dierdorff of Monmouth. After both retiring, The two went on to enjoy nearly 40 years together, attending jazz festivals in the US and Canada. They were the best of friends and life-long companions until Jean's death in 2020.

Gene loved his family, friends, and his home in Dallas where he had lived for over 55 years. He was a lover of animals, was a life-long Boston Celtics fan, enjoyed listening to comedy and jazz and was an accomplished clarinet and harmonica player. Gene enjoyed performing for his family on birthdays and holidays, singing and reciting poetry. Gene was a funny and very talented emcee, hosting many retirements and events in Dallas thru the years and until 2020, helped spearhead the annual Salem High School reunion, where remaining classmates gathered at luncheons in Salem. He enjoyed watching and listening to comedy, playing golf, hosting Christmas Eve for his kids and grandkids, and looked forward to hosting Wednesday night poker games with the "Magnificent Seven". Gene had an absolutely amazing sense of humor, he had a good heart and was a true-blue friend to many friends, past and present. His passing has broken many hearts.

Gene is survived by his five children, Nancy Lebold-Stone (John), John Lebold (Janet) of Salem, Denise Trowbridge (Doug) and Gregg Brunner (Janet) of Dallas, Jeff Brunner (Penney) of Turner, 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Gene leaves behind his three siblings whom he loved dearly, brothers Don (Anna) Lebold of Keizer and Jim (Bev) Lebold and sister, Evelyn Ford of Salem. Gene missed his Brother in Law, Phil Ford, who passed in August, 2020.

A very special thank you from the Lebolds to Gene's extended, loving and supportive family; Skip and Mary Dierdorff and Julie and Gil Ramirez of Steamboat Springs, Co., Bill Dierdorff of Bellingham, Wa. and Matt and Branda Dierdorff of Portland.

Gene was buried at Belcrest Memorial Park in Salem at a private family service on Tuesday, May 18th. A Celebration of life is tentatively planned for Saturday, July 24th. Time and place to be determined.

Donations in Gene's name can be made to the American Heart Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hed-fh.com for the Lebold family.