Gene D. Riegsecker

Gene D. Riegsecker, 71, of Goshen died Friday, September 16, 2016 at I.U. Health University Hospital, Indianapolis.

He was born October 21, 1944 in Goshen to Vernon and Ida (Troyer) Riegsecker.

On January 28, 1968 he married Judy Harshberger in Goshen.

She survives along with a son, Jeffrey Riegsecker of Goshen; seven grandchildren, Hailie and Jaden Riegsecker, Kelsi, Karli, Kirby, Kolby and Kassi Watts; sisters, Jan (Joseph) Yoder of Middlebury and Vert (Dennis) Miller of Goshen; and four brothers, Glen (Jeanne) Riegsecker and Gary (Carolyn) Riegsecker, both of Goshen, Dale (Shirley) Riegsecker of Middlebury and Jim (Marilyn) Riegsecker of Millersburg.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Watts and son-in-law, Douglas Watts.

A lifetime area resident, Gene was the owner of Nu-Way Construction, Goshen before retiring in 2002. He also was an owner of Challenger Door, Nappanee. Gene built many commercial steel buildings in the area including the design and building of the stage at the Elkhart County 4-H fairgrounds.

He attended Nappanee Missionary Church and was a charter member of the John Deere two-cylinder Club.  He also served on the presidential advisory council of Ceco for many years.

Gene was an avid collector of John Deere tractors, both miniature and full size.  He played fast pitch softball for Keene products.  When Parkinson’s disease forced him to slow down, he remained active in the lives of loved ones around him.

He was always looking out for his extended family, sharing time, tools, and toys as needed.  Gene continued to meet his buddies at his shop for coffee as often as he was able.  He especially enjoyed time with grandchildren, attending many hours of school and athletic activities.

Gene will be missed dearly by all his family, but especially by his wife, son and grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 20, 2016 from 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. A 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2016 funeral will be conducted at Nappanee Missionary Church.  Rev. David Engbrecht will officiate.

Burial will follow at Miller 8 Square Cemetery, Goshen.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church.