Eugene W. “Gene” Buck was born April 24, 1930 in Waterloo, the son of Lars and Astrid Lindkvist Buck. He married Elcina Ackerman October 24, 1958 in Waterloo. Gene served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Gene worked for Rath Packing Company before going to work for John Deere where he was a machinist at the engine works for 24 years before retiring in 1990.

Gene was an outdoors man. He enjoyed fishing, shooting, taking trips, and his motorcycles. He was a very steadfast person. Gene could tackle any job and could repair most things. It was said that once Gene fixed it, it was Buckinized. He will be remembered for his homemade boat and the gun club flag pole among other things. Gene enjoyed spending time with Elcina in Texas and Prairie du Chien. He was a life member of the Cedar Falls Gun Club, the Iowa State Trapshooters Association, and the Amateur Trapshooters Association. He was a member of Waterloo BPOE #290 and First Congregational Church.

Gene is survived by his wife Elcina; 2 sisters: Myrtle Gronoski of Waterloo and Virginia Schoeneman of Ames; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters: Mary Weiss and Shirley Ives.

Gene died Friday, June 27, 2003 at Covenant Medical Center at the age of 73 following surgery.