WILSON — Eugene “Gene” Neal Peterka, 79, passed away Dec. 23, 2016, at Russell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. Born Aug. 26, 1937, on the family farm in Lincoln County, he was the son of Victor and Theresa (Farney) Peterka. He grew up and attended the Margaret one room school house and Wilson High School. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy serving aboard several ships, his most memorable being the USS Midway. On Oct. 29, 1960, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Lorene Small at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson. They were blessed with four children, Kevin, Tom, Rhonda, and Sonya. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned home to wear many different hats over his lifetime. He was proud of being an over the road truck driver, self-employed plumber, roustabout, and family handyman. He was a KU basketball fan, enjoyed working on the farm, playing Pinochle with friends, and hanging out with the morning coffee group. But the thing that brought him the greatest joy of all was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Mr. Peterka was a member of the American Legion.
Gene is survived by his children, Kevin Peterka and wife Lerma of Oceanside, Calif., Tom Peterka of Paola, Rhonda Widows of Albert, and Sonya Wolfe and husband Kent of Hutchinson; brother Don Peterka and wife Alice of Wilson; sisters JoAnn Steinle of Wilson, Loy Anchutz and husband Mert of Wilson, Kathleen Merkel and husband Dr. Earl of Russell; brother-in-law Roy Shaw of Wilson; grandchildren Geoffrey Remudaro and wife Angie, Mari Shiffield and husband Donte, Timothy Peterka, Nicole Barrera and husband Jesse, Nathan Peterka and wife Lindsey, Haley Jo Peterka, Heidi Hintenach and husband Tom, Brandon Widows and wife Teresa, Andrea Ruggels and husband Alec, and Dakota Wolfe; 16 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Victor and Theresa Peterka; his wife Lorene Peterka; a sister Elaine Shaw; and brother-in-law Leonard Steinle.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Foster Mortuary in Wilson. Burial will follow in the Wilson City Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion or Excelsior Lighted Cross in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.fostermortuary.com
Funeral arrangements provided by
Foster Mortuary**
P.O. Box 533
Wilson, Ks. 67490
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2016
