Greb, Allen E. 'Gene'

Allen E. “Gene” Greb, 90, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012, at Oaknoll Health Center. Private funeral services will be held at the Newman Center in Iowa City. The family will greet friends Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Kirkwood Room at Governor's Ridge, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City.

Born Jan. 2, 1922, in Waukesha, Wis., the son of Mary Esther (Nutch) Bohl and Delbert Greb. Gene grew up in Cedar Rapids and graduated from Immaculate Conception School. He married Mari Bowman on Aug. 29, 1956, at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids.

He received his basic flight training in Marana, Ariz., and primary flight training at Thunderbird Field in Phoenix. He later completed advanced flight training at Luke Field, also in Arizona. During World War II, he evacuated the wounded and transported troops and cargo in C-54's. He trained for the Korean War in Harlingen, Texas and was awarded the Victory Medal and American Campaign Medal. Gene's last assignment was with the Intelligence Air Defense Command Air Force Reserve in Colorado Springs. He was relieved from active duty in 1946 and retired as major in the United States Air Force in 1960.

Gene started a Volkswagen dealership in November 1961 in the old Dodge dealership building at Walnut and Summit streets. He also worked for Chrysler Corporation and Volkswagen of America as a regional manager. Upon his retirement in 1978, he enjoyed discovering and exploring many new adventures.

Gene was a benefactor for Camp Courageous and generously donated coats for those in need. He also donated a VW van to St. Thomas More Catholic Church so that children of special needs who were being cared for at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics had the opportunity to be transported to Mass.

Survivors include his wife, Mari of Iowa City; five children: Stephanae Bock of Iowa City and her children, Matt and Maggie Bock, both of Des Moines; Mark Greb (Lisa) of Coralville and their children, Jack and Sydney, both of Coralville; Jennifer Greb of Excelsior, Minn., and her children, Nick (fiancee Jasmine Gambrall) of Des Moines and Jamie Rix of Excelsior, Minn.; Patti Brewington (Mike) of Des Moines and their children, Alex of Denver, Colo., and Jake and Mari, both of Des Moines; and Lesle Greb and (Steven Erickson) of Iowa City - Steve was a beloved and caring companion and friend to Gene.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Camp Courageous, The Newman Catholic Student Center or Iowa City Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com

Lensing Funeral Service is handling arrangements.

Published Jan. 19, 2012, in The Gazette