Gene R. Foss, 83, of Waterloo, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008, at Winslow House Care Center, Marion, of natural causes.

He was born Feb. 13, 1925, in La Porte City, son of Shelby and Iva Jean Richards Foss. He married Eleanor Ann White on May 29, 1948, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo. She died Dec. 4, 2005.

Mr. Foss earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1949. He was a chemist at Rath Packing Co. for 36 years, then six years with Land O’ Lakes, retiring in 1991. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged as staff sergeant. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church, Allen Hospital Auxiliary and the AMVETS, and served as board member of Allen Memorial Hospital and Rath Credit Union.

Survived by: two sons, Craig R. (Barb) of Fairfield and Kim M. (Cindy) of Marion; a daughter, Julie J. Foss of Nashville, Tenn.; and four grandchildren, Jill of Minneapolis, Allison of Overland Park, Kan., Clint of Boston and Karli of Chicago.

Preceded in death by: two sisters, Janet Brown and Dorothy Rees; and three brothers, Shelby Jr., Robert and Kenneth.

Gene was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandchildren knew he would always answer “yes” to anything they wanted. They knew Grandpa would always have time for them whether it was just time for conversation or time to cheer or support at various events.

Gene was also an avid golfer. He loved the game starting while in college, continuing through the Rath’s men’s leagues to eventually playing with a large group of seniors during his retirement. He especially enjoyed playing with family members including his grandchildren.