With this background, Gene formed his own company in June of 1957. He chose Fremont, Nebraska as the headquarters for R.E. Reutzel Co., a pipeline construction company. He was able to get contracts for his company in many areas of the United States. He was a founder and his firm became a charter member of the Distribution Contractors Association. At the organizational meeting he was elected to board of directors, serving for 6 years and 1 year as the National President. Gene served on the Board of Trustees of the hospital in Fremont from 1978 to 2003 and had been vice chairman from 1981 until 2003. He had also served on the hospital's long range planning committee. He had served on the Board of Trustees of the J.F. Kennedy College in Wahoo and he had served on the Board of the Fremont Golf Club for 4 years, 2 of the years as president.
Gene has been a member of the Oakland Masonic Lodge No. 91 A.F. & A.M. of Oakland, Nebraska for 64 years. He also had been a member of the York Rite Masonic Bodies of Fremont, the Scottish Rite of Omaha, Tangier Shrine Center of Omaha, Fremont Shrine Club, and the Royal Order of Jester's Court 19 of Omaha, and was a Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.
On January 27, 1942, Gene was married to Virginia Whetstone of Kinsley, Kansas. The had lived in Kinsley and in Oakland, Nebraska before moving to Fremont.
Survivors: daughter - Sandra and husband Evon Olson of Fremont
son - Barry Reutzel of Lincoln, NE
2 granddaughters - Shawn and husband Bruce Meister of Lincoln
Shelly and husband Ronnie Sandeen of Fremont
2 great grandchildren - Sam and Sydney Meister
2 sisters - Mary Tucker of North Carolina
Lucille Hilton of Arkansas
He was preceded in death by his wife on July 6, 1984, and by his brothers Charles, Lester, Willard, and Glen.
The funeral service will be 2 PM Monday (June 7th) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel, Fremont. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Shrine Hospitals for Children, and to the Fremont Area Medical Center Foundation Endowment Fund. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Sunday (June 6th) from 2 to 6 PM, the family present from 4 to 6 PM.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(9)
Jim Albee
Ames, Ia Monday, June 14, 2010 Barry...I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was quite a guy. How he put up with us and all our (brilliant) ideas I'll never know. I still chuckle about when we gave you a guinea pig for your birthday which turned into 3, which turned into 11, I think, ....then you dad took over dividing them into boys and girls and no more babies. Write if you wish. Sincerely, Jim AlbeeGeri Peterson
Kansas City, Ks Monday, June 7, 2010 God's Speed to Heaven my beloved friend. May you reach Heaven in lightening speed to be greeted by all those gone before you that loves you as much as us on earth. Your kindness, generousity, and love will be missed.Greg Buch
Philadelphia, PA Monday, June 7, 2010 Dear Barry & Sandy, My sincere condolences for your loss. Gene was a truly remarkable man, and I think of him fondly, and often. You are both in my thoughts today. GregRoger and Gail Sterzbach
Scottsdale, AZ Sunday, June 6, 2010 He will be forever in our hearts. We loved this wonderful man dearly.Beverley (Niles) Mielke
Lincoln, NE Sunday, June 6, 2010 Sorry for the loss of a loved one. I remember Gene as a really good guy, and very friendly. Always spoke when you saw him. He was a Sponser of the bowling team I bowled on with Evelyn NIles and others, many years back, and a great sponser at that. GOD BLESS and you have my SYMPATHY.Dorene Tonsfeldt
Enid, OK Thursday, June 3, 2010 I have many fond memories of Gene and "Ginny" as Gene was my husband Virgil's co-worker, boss and especially a good friend for many years. Gene's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. DoreneJerry & Lois Happel
Morse Bluff, NE Thursday, June 3, 2010 Sandy & Family, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad & Grandpa. This time is never easy but your memories and happy times with him will help you through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jerry, Lois and ZachDon "Tookie" Jan Barnes
Soda Springs, Id Thursday, June 3, 2010 Sandy, sorry to hear about your dad, we have fond memories of him. Tookie and his Dad worked alot with him. Our prayers are with you at this time, may you be comforted. love, Jan and TookieJoseph P. Sokolovsky
Fremont, NE Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Mr. Gene Reutzel was a very kind and thoughtful man to those fortunate people who got to know him. I worked for him during two full summers while attending Midland Lutheran College. And then for two more years after graduating. He had a great sense of humor, and I will always be thankful to him for the help he gave 'this wet nosed college kid (me) who was trying to earn enough $$$ to make through college. God bless you Mr. R. Sincerely, Joe Sokolovsky