Gene Francis Vanderbur

Gene Francis Vanderbur, 85, of Mapleton, Iowa passed away Sunday, September 25, 2022 at his Century family farm home, not 20 ft from where he was born.  He died of a broken heart three days after the passing of his best friend and wife, Lois Ann Vanderbur.

Per Gene’s wishes, his body was donated to the UNMC Medical School with cremation to occur when the next generation of doctors has learned enough from their time with him.  A private family service will be held at a later date in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mapleton, Iowa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Gene Francis was born September 26, 1936 in Mapleton, Iowa, the son of Vern F. and Clementa B. (Hoy) Vanderbur. He graduated from Mapleton High School in Mapleton, Iowa with the class of 1954. After graduation, he honored his obligation to this great nation with service in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently graduated from Iowa State University.  His Agricultural Business degree allowed him to travel the world before he decided the best place to raise his family was on the farm he grew up on. He then proceeded to have a productive career at Soil Conservation Services located in Onawa, Iowa.

Lois and Gene were united into marriage December 31, 1963 at Austin Messiah Lutheran Church in Austin, Illinois. To this union four children were born, Krista, Kit, Kirk, and Lars. Gene was very proud of his children and loved spending time with them.

Gene enjoyed a hot cup of tea, gardening and the salads that came from it, reading books, long naps, his loving cats, and the stock market.

He was a proud multi gallon donor to the blood bank and would have been honored if you would consider giving in his memory.

Gene was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Mapleton, Iowa where he enjoyed debating what comes after this life. He had a strong desire to leave this world a better place through his deeds.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Krista (Toni) Elmquist of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Lars (Jennifer) Vanderbur of Papillion, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Adrienne (Dylan) Gill, Erika (Phil) McGrain, Mitchell Elmquist, Aidan Vanderbur, Madeline Vanderbur, Isabelle Vanderbur, and Lily Vanderbur; great-grandchildren, Adeline Gill, Crofton Gill, and baby girl McGrain due in November; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois Ann Vanderbur; parents, Vern and Clementa (Hoy) Vanderbur; brother, Charles Vanderbur; and two children, Kit Louise Vanderbur (in infancy) and Kirk Charles Vanderbur.

Memorials in Gene's memory may be directed to Fisher-Whiting Memorial Library, 609 Courtright Street, Mapleton, Iowa 51034.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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