Gene E. Van Gorder, 82, of Waterloo, died on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo.

He was born on June 20, 1944, in Waukon, the son of Elmer and Evelyn (Grossman) Van Gorder. He graduated from Oelwein High School in 1962. He married Dianne Wenger on July 14, 1968, at the First Baptist Church of Elgin.

Gene worked as an Outside Repair Technician for Northwestern Bell (which later became Qwest) for 40 years, retiring in 2007.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, Waterloo. Gene served as Treasurer for many years for the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and the CWA Retirees. He also held the position of Treasurer for an extended period at the First Baptist Church of Waterloo. Gene volunteered and drove a truck for Northeast Iowa Food Bank for 13 years. He also served in the US Army Reserves.

Gene is survived by his wife, Dianne Van Gorder of Waterloo; two sons, Michael (Angela) Van Gorder of Ankeny, and Neil Van Gorder of Las Cruces, NM; two grandchildren, Erika and Evan; a niece, Susan (Mark) Leibold of Fort Atkinson; a nephew, Scott Gosse of North Carolina; and a great-nephew, Andy (Lindsey) Gosse of Davenport.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Dorothy Gosse; and a niece, Sharon Miller.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Waterloo followed by military rites by Iowa Army National Guard and Evansdale Amvets Post #31. Visitation for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the church or the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke on 4th, 1519 W. 4th Street, is assisting the family. Locke on 4th, 319-233-6138.