STERLING - Charlie E. "Gene" Mitzner, 75, died Tuesday, May 24, 2011, in Wichita. He was born Dec. 8, 1935, at Abbyville, the son of Charlie L. and Edith Detter Mitzner.

He was a 1953 graduate of Abbyville High School, a member of Fairview United Methodist Church, Nickerson, an Army Veteran serving mainly in Germany, a lifetime area farmer, and owner of Gene's Furs for 40 years. On April 12, 1963, he married Donna N. Heyen at Great Bend. She survives. Other survivors include: their two daughters, Linda Mitzner of Sterling, Brenda Unruh and husband Troy of Arlington; two brothers, Jacob L. of Buhler, and Wayne of Meeker, Okla.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2011, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Nancy Proffitt officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview United Methodist Church Cemetery. Calling hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday with family present 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial gifts may be made to the church, in care of the mortuary. Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a condolence or remembrance for Gene's family.