Gene Erenberger

GENE RAY "THUNDER" ERENBERGER

Solon

Gene Ray "Thunder" Erenberger, of Solon, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, at Mercy Iowa City, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at St. Mary's Catholic

Church, with burial to follow in First Presby-terian Church Cemetery near Ely. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Brosh Chapel in Solon is in charge of arrangements.

Gene was born May 5, 1935, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Milo and Rose Mary (Coder) Erenberger. He attended Hazel Green Country School and Mount Vernon High School. Gene was united in marriage to Rosemary Brecht on Jan. 18, 1955, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1952 to 1960.

Gene and Rosemary farmed in the Ely and Solon areas their entire married life. He enjoyed traveling, going out with friends, visiting the family farms, sitting on the front porch swing with his dogs, and most of all, spending time with his loving family.

Gene is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his six children, Joni (Don) Herdliska of Coin, Gail (Randy) Tyler of Cedar Rapids and Michael "Milo" (Kathy), David (Susan), Dan (Mary) and Glen (Cindy), all of Solon; 17 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Dick (Pearl) of Ely, Bruce (Barb) of Bettendorf, Denny (Mary Anne) of Ely and Michele (Walt) Steggall of Ely; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Willy Herdliska; and his nephew, Steven White.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.