Walter Eugene “Gene” Kohl, 80, of Hershey passed away April 13, 2018 at Great Plains Health.

Gene was born on June 26, 1937 in Sutherland, NE to Walter and Jennie (Grisby) Kohl. He attended grade school in Wallace, and junior high in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School with the class of 1955.  After graduation he enlisted with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.  Upon being discharged Gene hired on the Union Pacific Railroad.  He also worked for Central Packing.  On April 5, 1964 Gene was united in marriage to Sharon Irene Booth at the First United Methodist Church.  In 1966 the family moved to Hershey where Gene worked for Howard & Shirley Lendenkuhl feed lot, after which he worked for Jim Pappas.  In 1979 be began work for the Lincoln County Department of Roads, retiring in 2007.

Gene was a past member of the Eagles. He loved to hunt, fish, garden, and do plastic canvas work.  He was a strong pillar for his family.

The family would like to thank all the nurse’s and staff at the Sutherland Care Center.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Sharon Kohl of Hershey; daughters, Cara (Jimm) Fox and Jody (Lyle Dow) Gosnell all of North Platte; son, Terry (Ronda) Booth of Holdrege; sisters-in-law, Lorie (Tim) Wilson, Linda (Dave) Woodward, and Bonnie Preitauer; step-brothers, Mike (Ginger) Payne of New Jersey, Dale Payne of North Platte; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Kohl; mother and step-father, Jennie (Val) Payne; son, Frankie Kohl; daughter, Brenda Kohl; a great-great-grandchild; sister, Geneveve Kohl; niece, Kim Woodward; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Margaret Booth; and brothers-in-law, Junior Woodward and Loren Carland.

Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Fischer officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.