Gene L. Hoarty

July 3, 1931 - October 18, 2012

Eugene Leo Hoarty was born July 3, 1931, on the family farm. He was the youngest of four children born to Leo and Mary Mueller Hoarty. Gene attended country school near Grafton, NE. and attended high school in Geneva, NE. graduating in 1949. Gene’s life was farming until he entered the Army in July 1952 serving in the Korean War. On May 12, 1954, he was united in marriage to Patricia Lee Ahern at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Friend, NE. They made their home on the family farm South of Grafton where he dedicated his life to farming and raising his family. To this union, six children were born, James, Tim, John, Shannon, Tom, and Joe. Gene and Patty enjoyed spending their winters, for 26 years, in Apache Junction, AZ., touring every part of the state. In 1990 they moved to Geneva, NE., still spending many hours farming; ten years later they built a house in Geneva which is their current home today. He was a member of St. Helena’s Catholic Church of Grafton for most of his life until joining St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Geneva. He was a lifetime member of American Legion, Post 21 of Fairmont and VFW of Geneva, Samuel Marsh 7102. Gene was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Paramount in his life were his family, home, and church, as well as many friends in the Grafton, Fairmont and Geneva areas. He was known, and will be remembered, for his great sense of humor. A great Irish story was always welcomed and he would gladly tell you one in return. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary Hoarty, two brothers, Robert Hoarty and Jack Hoarty, one sister, Mary Hoarty Becker, brother-in-law, Bill Becker, one son-in-law, Shane Schelkopf, one infant son, James, son John Patrick, and in-laws Edward and Eleanor Ahern. He is survived by his wife Patty of Geneva, NE., son Tim and wife Vicki of Heath, TX, son Tom and wife Jodie of McCool Junction, NE., son Joe and wife Jenny of Geneva, NE., daughter Shannon Schelkopf and husband Kurt of Sutton, NE, daughter-in-law Ranee Hoarty of Fairmont, NE., fourteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter, sister-in-law Darlene Hoarty Higgins of Wessington, S. Dakota, in-laws Phyllis (John) Hobbs of Bellevue, NE., Tom (Patti) Ahern of West Chester, PA., many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Rosary was said, Monday, October 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Geneva, NE. Funeral Services were held, Tuesday, October 23 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Geneva, NE., with Father Thomas Walsh officiating and Father Michael Morin assisting with Mass of Christian Burial. Lector was Richard Hoarty and Gary Reinsch as Acolyte. Deborah Hoarty accompanied Shelby Palensky who sang “Gather Us In,” “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagles’ Wings,” and “Irish Blessing.” Altar boys were Kinser Gergen and Cal Malone; Casket Bearers were his grandsons, Dustin, Sean, Colin Hoarty, Dylan Hoarty, Cole Schelkopf, Matt Kliewer and Erik Gonzales. Honorary Pallbearers were Ben and Adam Hoarty, Jake and Charlie Hoarty. Gift Bearers were granddaughters Toni Kliewer, Krystal Gonzales, Jeri Schelkopf, Rachel Hoarty and Ammy Hoarty. Interment was held at Grafton Cemetery with Farmer Funeral Home of Geneva in charge of arrangements. A delicious lunch was served by St. Joseph’s Altar Society. Memorials are directed to the Fillmore County Hospital.