Gene Gayle Dostal was born on September 15, 1943 to Emil and Edna (Strong) Dostal in Dodge.  Gene grew up in Dodge and graduated from Dodge High School in 1961.  After high school, he served 6 years in the Army National Guard.   In 1968, Gene married Carol Meyerink.  Over the years, he worked at many local grocery stores including Vlach’s Grocery and Marv’s Grocery in Dodge, Dufek’s in Schuyler, and Jack and Jill in Schuyler and Wahoo.  Gene also worked at Smeal Fire Apparatus for ten years and drove cars for Gene Steffy.  On September 17, 1995, Gene married Dorothy Ruhr in Las Vegas.

Gene was a formerly a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dodge.  He was very active in the Dodge community by serving on the City Council and serving on the Dodge Fire Department for 25 years.  He was also instrumental in starting the Dodge Rescue Squad.  Automobiles were a major part of Gene’s life as well.  He helped restore the Diamond T vintage fire truck and loved Mopar muscle cars, NASCAR races, and tractor pulls.  He was a pet lover and enjoyed polka music.  Most of all, Gene treasured the time spent with his grandchildren and attending their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, of Dodge; daughters, Leah (Chad) Bartling of Kearney, Michelle Hayes of Fremont, Tonya (Bob) Petersen of Tilden, and Tina (Ory) Wiggins of Fremont; son, Russ (Treva) of Pierce; sister-in-law, Carol Dostal of Omaha; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. 

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary.