The Life of GENE ELSTON EITTREIM
Gene Elston Eittreim was born on Jan 9, 1924 in Letcher South Dakota to Clara (Kallem) and Ernest Eittreim. Gene passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 23rd at the Hospice Kavanaugh House In Des Moines with his family by his side.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th at Dunn''s Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Ave in Des Moines, Iowa.
Gene''s family moved from South Dakota to Iowa shortly after he was born. He graduated from North High School, before enlisting in the service in 1943. Gene served with the 31st Bombardment squadron and went to battle in the South Pacific during WW II. After the war he returned to Des Moines, received his degree from Grand View College and married Darlene Bilsten. Gene and Darlene were blessed with three children; Steve, Greg and Cathy. Gene worked in sales throughout his life.
After his retirement from Holmes Oldsmobile he spent most of his remaining years at Lake Panorama, where he later met and married Marilyn Stover. Together, they enjoyed traveling extensively on winter vacations and also made many memories fishing, boating and spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grand kids at the lake. Christmas was always special with family.
Gene loved to fish and took the family on vacations to Lost Island, Spirit Lake, and Lake OkobOji just to name a few; he always dreamed of landing the "big one". Gene was a true gentleman, a class act, never judging anyone. Gene persevered through many challenges with little complaint especially during the last four years due to complications from cancer.
Gene is survived by his sister; Betty, sons; Steve (Debbie) Eittreim, Greg (Lisa) Eittreim, and daughter Cathy Fosselman. Six grandchildren; Shannon (Chris) Mart, Melissa (Rick) Krug, Michael Eittreim (Krista Couey) and Eric Eittreim, Renee (Dan) Welk, Kris (Marcin) Kolesinski, and step-granddaughter Holly (Tim) Stefl. Nine great-grandchildren; Gavin, Josle, Claire, Mara, Carter, Brenna, Liesel, Jasper and Landon and three step-grandchildren; Olivia, Samantha and Lucas along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Eittreim and wives; Darlene and Marilyn.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dunn''s Funeral Home prior to the service with a luncheon preceding the internment at Highland Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Faith Bible Church, Panora, Iowa and to the Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the support and care at the Kavanaugh House along with Dr. Roger Harvey and Dr. Scott Johnson.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th at Dunn''s Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Ave in Des Moines, Iowa.
Gene''s family moved from South Dakota to Iowa shortly after he was born. He graduated from North High School, before enlisting in the service in 1943. Gene served with the 31st Bombardment squadron and went to battle in the South Pacific during WW II. After the war he returned to Des Moines, received his degree from Grand View College and married Darlene Bilsten. Gene and Darlene were blessed with three children; Steve, Greg and Cathy. Gene worked in sales throughout his life.
After his retirement from Holmes Oldsmobile he spent most of his remaining years at Lake Panorama, where he later met and married Marilyn Stover. Together, they enjoyed traveling extensively on winter vacations and also made many memories fishing, boating and spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grand kids at the lake. Christmas was always special with family.
Gene loved to fish and took the family on vacations to Lost Island, Spirit Lake, and Lake OkobOji just to name a few; he always dreamed of landing the "big one". Gene was a true gentleman, a class act, never judging anyone. Gene persevered through many challenges with little complaint especially during the last four years due to complications from cancer.
Gene is survived by his sister; Betty, sons; Steve (Debbie) Eittreim, Greg (Lisa) Eittreim, and daughter Cathy Fosselman. Six grandchildren; Shannon (Chris) Mart, Melissa (Rick) Krug, Michael Eittreim (Krista Couey) and Eric Eittreim, Renee (Dan) Welk, Kris (Marcin) Kolesinski, and step-granddaughter Holly (Tim) Stefl. Nine great-grandchildren; Gavin, Josle, Claire, Mara, Carter, Brenna, Liesel, Jasper and Landon and three step-grandchildren; Olivia, Samantha and Lucas along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Eittreim and wives; Darlene and Marilyn.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dunn''s Funeral Home prior to the service with a luncheon preceding the internment at Highland Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Faith Bible Church, Panora, Iowa and to the Gold Star Museum at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the support and care at the Kavanaugh House along with Dr. Roger Harvey and Dr. Scott Johnson.
Filter GENE ELSTON EITTREIM's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
Military Service
War:
World War II
Branch:
Army
Rank:
Unknown
