Eugene Fredrick Huckfeldt

Eugene (Gene) Fredrick Huckfeldt Eugene (Gene) Fredrick Huckfeldt, 85, of Twin Falls, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at his home following his battle with acute leukemia. He was born May 13, 1923 in Holstein, Nebraska to Carolyn (Bohlke) and Ernest Huckfeldt. He graduated from Holstein High School in 1941 and entered the United States Navel Air Corps in 1942. He became a pilot in preparation of serving his country during WWII. However, since the war ended he was honorably discharged in 1945 in Corpus Christi, Texas. (A fond memory of his pilot training was that he flew over the Grand Canyon in Arizona, which is no longer allowed.) He met Beverly Helvey in January 1948. They were married in May of that same year and lived their early marriage in Nebraska. In 1953 Gene and Bev moved to San Diego, California where Gene began working for Standard Oil. He worked for them for seven years receiving many promotions and a transfer to Los Angeles. While living in L.A. County, he began "flipping" houses developing his talent of being the handyman everyone loved! After Standard Oil, Gene started his own business installing and maintaining petroleum equipment. Two years later he sold the business, moved to Yuma, Arizona and became director of the Yuma County Parks Department. In 1977 Gene invested in a new residential development in Twin Falls, Idaho. As work on the development progressed, Gene and Bev moved to Twin Falls making it their permanent home for twenty-five years. After which, they wintered in Yuma. Gene's life long hobbies were camping, fishing, hunting and "wheeling and dealing." (One of his hunts brought down a prized moose.) Gene and Bev also enjoyed traveling (covering 49 states), dancing, playing cards, happy hour and socializing with friends. He participated in Elks, American Legion, VFW, AAl and Northpoint Ranch Homeowner's Association. Having a rare blood type, he became a life long blood donor. Gene was baptized into the Lutheran Faith and remained an active member his entire life. Gene and Bev worshipped at Peace Lutheran Church in Filer, Idaho before moving their membership to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Twin Falls. Gene served as an elder for both congregations. When Gene left this world, having kept his faith he was prepared to meet his Savior with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Beverly; his sister, Evelyn Koch of Nebraska; his sister-in-law, Doris Youtz of Twin Falls; his four nephews, Norman (Dorene) Huckfeldt of Twin Falls; Jeff (Tina) Youtz of Boise; David (Mary Snider) Koch of Washington and Frank (Denise) Koch of Nebraska; his three nieces, Virginia Hansen of Nebraska; Melody (Ron) Ilk of Colorado and Jolene (Terry) Gee of Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Everette Huckfeldt; three sister-in-laws; three brother-in-laws and one nephew. A memorial service for Gene will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday August 9, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Twin Falls. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church school building fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls.