Eugene "Gene" Franklin Kiess, 82 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 4:11 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in the Adams Memorial Hospital Emergency Room after being stricken suddenly at home. His death was unexpected. Gene was born on Saturday, July 30, 1932 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the son of the late Martin C. Kiess and the late Lyda M. (Gunsett) Kiess. He married Irene H. Krueckeberg on June 16, 1953 in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur and she survives. Gene served in the United States Army. Gene was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim where he had served as the vice president, treasurer, elder, and deacon. He was a member of the National Purchasing Association Board of Directors and the Fort Wayne Purchasing Association where he served as a past president. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur and the Decatur Lion's Club. He was a member of the North Adams Community School Board from 1970 to 1982 having served as president and vice-president for 4 years each. He was also a former member of the Board of Directors of the State Board of Education. In addition, Gene was one of the founding members of the Wyneken Lutheran School Board, which was established in 1969. Gene was a graduate of Monmouth High School and received an associate's degree from Indiana University. He retired in November of 1982 as a purchasing manager from International Harvester with 32 years of service. He had also worked at Ace Hardware, Zollner Corporation, Statamat Globe, and Doug Nash Equipment & Engineering in Franklin, Tennessee. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Irene H. Kiess of Decatur; son, Gregg L. (Kay) Kiess of Fort Wayne; daughter, Cynthia L. (Paul) DesJean of Decatur; daughter, Nanette S. (John) Nidlinger of Decatur; son, Duane A. (Lisa) Kiess of Decatur; daughter, Debra A. (Toney) Bergman of Decatur; sister, Joyce A. (Kenneth) Knipstein of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren,Cody Kiess, Zak Kiess, Nik Kiess, Sara (Matt) Konopka, Joey (Alexandria) DesJean, J.D. (Casey) Nidlinger, Kylene (Todd) Deitemyer, Matthew (Haleigh) Nidlinger, Shawn Kiess, Shelby Kiess, Jacob Bergman, Aaron Bergman, & Emily Bergman; and seven great-grandchildren, Noah Konopka, Owen Konopka, Cassidy Konopka, Jarrett Bailey, Elaine Nidlinger, Evelyn Nidlinger, & Jack Deitemyer. Preceding Gene in death was one grandson, Shane Kiess. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2015 in the Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim at 10655 N 550 W in Decatur with Rev. Daniel Dahling officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Friedheim. Military Graveside Services will be conducted by the American Legion Post#43 Color Guard. Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, February 8, 2015 in the Zion Lutheran Church-Friedheim and one hour prior to services Monday also at church. Preferred memorials are to Zion Lutheran Church-Friedheim or Zion Lutheran Church-Wyneken Fund.
