Gene passed away peacefully in his sleep, Jan 14, 2011. He spent the last week attended by family and friends. In late 2010, he moved to Newport Beach, CA to be closer to his family.

Born in Langdon, KS to John and Dorothy Loeppke, Gene spent his childhood on the family farm in Penalosa, Kansas, where he worked in the wheat fields with his brothers and sister and won the blue ribbon first prize for his own cow in the Kansas State Fair.

He joined the Army in 1952, became a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War and was honorably discharged from Fort Leonard Wood in 1954.

Gene received a vocal scholarship to Wichita State University where he graduated with a degree in business management.

Gene first married Hazel. They suffered a tragic loss when their only child, Kim Marie, passed away of spinal meningitis at only 6 months of age. Proving too much for the young couple to bear, they soon divorced.

Gene began work for Mobil Oil Company in the late 50's, where he met his future wife, Darla. They re-located to the KC area to start their family and in 1961 their first child, David, was born. In 1968, they moved to Tulsa where their daughter, Marsha, was born.

Recruited by E.K. Williams Co. to be the Western Regional Manager in Denver, Colorado, he also became the Program Chairman for the Denver Oilmens Club. Gene was then promoted to E.K Williams Corporate Headquarters in Santa Barbara, California, and later promoted to Executive Vice President. Gene and Darla decided to separate in 1981, and tragically, Darla passed away from cancer the following year.

Gene then married Carolynn Cantrelle. Moving to a ranch-style home, they acquired many animals, including a potbellied pig named Wilbur. Gene was often zipping about town with his trusty dog "Jake" who could be seen poking his head out of the silver Mercedes. When their marriage ended, Gene moved to Solvang, CA. He purchased the Olive House on the main drag in the mid 90's and for over ten years enjoyed the proud role of a shopkeeper. He enjoyed his staff immensely, as well as meeting the tourists and getting to know new people, a trait that characterized Gene his entire life.

After he retired in 2007, he moved to Elm Grove Estates in Hutchinson to be near other family and friends. Always restless and loving to be out on the open road, he greatly enjoyed working part-time shuttling cars for Conklin Motors across the state.

Gene had a very strong faith in God and was an active Mason and Shriner in Kansas, as well as in California. He began his Masonic endeavors in 1952, joining the Turon Lodge in Kansas #358 where his father, John E., was a member and where Gene became a Master Mason. In 1978, he demitted to the La Cumbre Lodge #642 in Santa Barbara. He achieved many distinguished honors and in 1981 he became the Grand Worshipful Master. His son, David, was honored when asked to give him his 50-year service pin in 2003. He was also part of the York Rite and Scottish Rite where he was a 32nd degree Mason. As a lifelong Shriner, he joined the Midian Temple in Wichita in 1960, moved to the Al Malaikah Temple in California, and ultimately to the Isis Temple in Salina, Kansas, where he was recognized in 2010 for 50 years of membership.

We'll always remember him as an avid and loyal Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was thrilled to fly to Los Angeles to attend the first Super Bowl and witness the historical game between Green Bay and KC. His zest for following the team spilled into his son, David, who he always called to make sure he knew of every game being played on radio or television.

Gene is preceded in death by his first daughter, Kim Marie, his second wife, Darla, his younger brother, Loren, and older sister, Evelyn Siegrist. He is survived by his older brother, Glen Loeppke, his son, David, daughter, Marsha, grandsons, Jeremy and Brodie, son-in-law, John, and by several cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will miss him dearly.

As a man with strong faith, kind heart and tender disposition, Gene is and will be missed by many. To celebrate his life, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, located at 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, with refreshments to follow. Gene's ashes were scattered at sea off the Santa Barbara coast on Feb. 12th. Prayers will be held at Lerado Cemetery on Sunday, May 29, 2011, at 10 a.m.