Eugene “Gene” W. Nitsch

Eugene “Gene” W. Nitsch, 80, of Boelus, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024 at his home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Cairo. Pastor Kalaba Kapunda officiated.

Beverly Wiebe-Brown was the pianist. Karly Behrendt and Molly Swartwood were the vocalists.

Musical selections included “One Day at a Time,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Pallbearers included Zach Harston, Trevin Behrendt, Tanner Swartwood, Dan Kruse, Jeff Franssen, Scott Franssen, and Glen Flint.

Honorary bearers included Jacob Franssen, Lucas Franssen, Cole Kruse, Nick Lewis, Corey Flint, Toby Flint, Kaitlin Hahn, Elizabeth Franssen, Mara Franssen, Alice Franssen, and Kayla Bornemeir Interment was in the Ebenezer Cemetery in Boelus.

Jacobsen- Greenway- Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting Gene’s family. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Eugene was born on November 19, 1943, to Clarence and Freida (Becker) Nitsch, at the home of Mrs. Kelson in Dannebrog. He was raised in Boelus and went to kindergarten at the Howard County District 25 School. Gene went to Boelus Public School, graduating in 1962. Then, he attended one year of school at Kearney State College.

Gene was united in marriage to Joyce Kay Rembolt on February 24, 1968 in Aurora. To this union, three children were born: Terry Eugene, Todd Michael, and Tonya Kay. He farmed and drove the school bus for Centura Public Schools from 1968 until 2013, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His hobbies included fishing, playing cards, and singing for weddings and funerals, as well as coaching. He loved visiting with people and socializing with friends. His greatest enjoyment in life was being with his family. He truly enjoyed his grandkids and great- grandkids.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Joyce Nitsch of Boelus; sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Karla Nitsch of Kearney and Todd and Julie Nitsch of Boelus; granddaughters and spouses, Brookely and Zach Harston of Rockville, Karly and Trevin Behrendt of Rockville, and Molly and Tanner Swartwood of Cairo; great- grandchildren, Jarrett Michael Harston, Emery Kate Harston, Zoey Marie Behrendt, Parker Michael Behrendt, and Ryker Eugene Swartwood; sisters, ImaJean Kruse of St. Paul and LaVera Mae Franssen of Spearfish, South Dakota; sister-inlaw, Arlene Rembolt of Chapman; brother-inlaw, Richard Schaffert of Aurora; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tonya Kay Nitsch; brothers-in-law, John Kruse, Harold Franssen, and Delbert Rembolt; sister-in-law, Stella Schaffert; and nephew, Ryan Rembolt.

The Phonograph-Herald | September 11, 2024