Memorial services for 86-year old Gene Kriz of Chadron, NE, will be Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 AM, also at St Patrick’s, with Father Todd Philipsen officiating.
Burial will follow at the Calvary Cemetery in Chadron.
A rosary will be held Friday, July 23, at 7:00 PM, also at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Chadron,
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Volunteer Fire Department. Donations can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Gene Kriz.
Eugene l Kriz was born July 26, 1934, in Hemingford, NE, to Louis and Victoria Kriz. He passed away on February 7, 2021, at Chadron Community Hospital.
Gene was raised in Hemingford and graduated from Hemingford High school in 1954. He attended an engineering institution in Chicago, then returned to the Panhandle, beginning his career in auto mechanics and engine machining in Alliance.
On June 2, 1956, he married Charlotte DeBock. The couple moved to Chadron in 1957 and lived at 610 and 609 Morehead Street for 62 years. Gene and Charlotte had 4 children: sons Daniel and Mike and daughters Kathleen and Debra.
Gene worked as an engine machinist at Sidles Chambers until starting his own automotive machine shop in 1977. He overhauled engines of all types and sizes, repaired hydraulic jacks, and later in his life repaired small engines and saws.
His machine shop door was always open and had an active board of directors while he greeted every customer with a jolly “how do!”
Gene was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, a Trustee of the Elks Lodge, active in the Model A Ford Club of America and the Northwest Nebraska Vintage Car Club, and a board member of Boy Scout Troop 203
Gene enjoyed getting away from the telephone by taking the family fishing at Whitney Lake and later Angostura reservoir. Gene and Charlotte had a trailer for many years at Longs Resort and enjoyed every minute fishing or maintaining that camp.
Gene’s favorite hobby was building a 1929 Model A ford. He spent the better part of five years chasing parts and fabricating that Model A and enjoyed driving in parades and taking his grand children and their families for a ride.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Victoria, son Daniel and daughter Kathleen and his brother Wilmer.
He is survived by Charlotte, his wife of 64 years, son Mike and daughter Debra, sister Wilma, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.