Eugene Herman “Gene” Bugner, 93 passed away on Dec. 25, 2022, at Catholic Care Center in Wichita, Kan. He was born on July 21, 1929 in Saint Joseph, Kan. to Mike and Rosa {Blasi} Bugner. On April 21, 1956 he married Darlene Davignon in Wichita, Kan. 

A Great Bend resident since 1968, coming from Garden City, Wichita, and Garden Plain, Gene enjoyed duck hunting at “the lease” and pheasant hunting at the Foos’ in Bazine. He loved to spend time outdoors tending his vegetable garden, fishing, and keeping his Kentucky Bluegrass lawn immaculate. He never passed up a card game and was a regular at the K of C pitch games. He spent his working years as a sales representative for Whirlpool Corporation. He and Darlene enjoyed memorable trips around the world made possible through his salesmanship contests. Countless friends were made across western Kansas through his Whirlpool connections. 

Gene never knew a stranger and was beloved by all of his relatives and friends. He was a regular at Club One Fitness, affectionately called “The Spa” where he and Darlene gathered with the regulars who became dear friends. 

Gene was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, V.F.W. and the American Legion. He also honorably served his country in the Army as a Corporal during the Korean Conflict.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Wichita; son, Bradley (Tammie) Bugner of Wichita; three daughters, Cynthia (David) Niederee of Derby, Julie (Mark) Smith of Pawnee Rock, and Jill Chambers of Great Bend, and daughter-in-law, Nita Bugner of Wichita; sisters Alberta Hartman of Denver, Marilyn Ferrell of Texhoma, Okla.; 12 grandchildren, Ben (Catie) Niederee, Joe (Maura) Niederee, Amy Niederee, Stephanie (Nate) White, Ashley (Grant) Louvar, Brooke (Andy) Marshall, Olivia (Cody) Lopez, Peter Smith, Alexandra (A.J.) Beasley, Hannah Sizemore, Mikel Bugner, and Sophia Chambers; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and son Curtis Bugner; son-in-law, Cory Chambers; sisters, Mildred Kampling, Norma Jean Bestgen, and younger brother Frank Bugner. 

Visitation will take place from 2-7 p.m. with family available from 5-7 Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home. Knights of Columbus Rosary will take place at 1:30 p.m. prior to the funeral service at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the Holy Family Endowment Fund or St. Patrick’s Church in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS  67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS.  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 28, 2022