Gene Porter
September 22, 2014
Gene Charles Porter (Big Gene), 84, passed away with dignity Monday, September 22, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, IA. Gene was born September 9, 1930 in Gilmore City, IA, the son of Hans and Louise (Kramer) Porter. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Gene graduated from Drake University and was employed in the human resources departments of General Foods and E.F. Johnson. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion. Gene was a Mason, Shriner, Lion, and served as a Big Brother.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ramona; children, Cheryl Porter, Eric (Denise) Porter, and Kimberly (Bruce) Cohn; grandchildren, Rebecca Vogel, Brooke Porter, and Blaire Porter; and great-grandson, Logan Crockett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Shirley Porter and Jay Porter; and sister, Cleve Ann Ruzicka.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 26, also at the funeral home.
Burial will occur at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Mosaic Axtell, P. O. Box 67, Axtell, NE, 68924.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Amy L. Roesler
10/28/2014
Ramona, Kim and Eric,
When I heard of the news of Gene's passing, I was saddened and then so many wonderful memories of him and your family filled my mind. Gene was always smiling and joking around. I vividly remember him dancing in your dining room with Kim and I! The many over nights at your home in Waseca, followed by wonderful morning breakfasts. I can see Gene sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading the newspaper! So many memories!
I pray that your memories of your husband and dad, from the past bring you all peace in the future.
God Bless,
Amy
Bob and Don Lynch
10/10/2014
Condolences to the Porter Family. We have Many fond memories of Gene when he lived in Waseca. Among them, Bob remembers the many times when Gene and him skipped out of work early to get a good seat at the Legion. Don remembers when he tipped over the house plant in Ramona's house. .
Sam & Edee Olsen
09/26/2014
September 24, 2014
To Moni and family,
It is with great respect, love and honor for us to acknowledge Gene's life. I was so fortuate to meet Gene my Jr. year in High School; he has been one of my closest friends throughout my life. So close that when we worked at the Grocery Store then the Coffee Shop, I would do most of the work and enjoyed every minute of it. Gene always said he never knew when to believe me or not, but he can now; I will miss him. It is with heavy heart we realize how much Moni and Gene's friendship has meant to us. Gene had one hell of a life and we will see him again. Losing one of our oldest friends is so very hard. Moni know we love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sam, Edee and family
Johnna Friesth
09/25/2014
Ramona, sincere condolences to you and your family. I shared a lot of years with Gene right up to graduation at Humboldt High in 1949. Great ride!
Tink Larson
09/25/2014
Eric. My sympathies to you and your family with the loss of your father. Always a tough situation, but have Faith. God Bless.
Craig Miller
09/24/2014
Eric, Sorry to hear about your dad . I remember him from all the baseball games for sure.
Paula McClaflin
09/23/2014
Although I did not know him well, I always enjoyed seeing Gene. He always had a big smile for his big personality! He was a kind hearted man! We will miss him!