Leon Gene Kautz passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2024 in Yuma, Colorado. He was born November 23, 1934 to Jacob and Pauline Kautz in Merino, Colorado.
Gene didn’t come into this world in the usual way. He was delivered by Dr. Lutz, a veterinarian. He had a love of animals, especially dogs, maybe this had something to do with it.
Gene grew up on the farm Northeast of Hillrose and he farmed with his Dad for 28 years. He also drove a milk truck after school, and he drove for other truck companies during the winter months. When the farm was sold Gene then worked for Brush Coop and later worked for Puregro, which later became Simplot. He was a hard worker and had a good work ethic. When he retired, he then drove a truck for Kevin Helzer.
Life wasn’t without its challenges. Dad lost his best friend when he was a teenager in a drowning as the friend tried to save Dad when they were crossing the river on horses and Dad fell into the water.
Gene met Jeanette Allen in 1955 and their love story began. They met at Jeanette’s place of employment, A&W. When they met, he told his buddies he was gonna marry that girl someday. They were married on October 25th, 1958, two days after Jeanette turned 18. They went on to have 4 children, Marty, Sherry, Jackie & Julie.
Gene loved his family and friends dearly and suffered a great loss in 1988 with the loss of his Grandson Nicholas. He was very protective of his family, and he didn’t like to see them hurting. In 1995 he suffered another huge loss when his son and best friend Marty was killed in an accident while responding to a call for the Brush Fire Department.
He loved taking care of his yard and tinkering in the garage. He liked to keep his vehicles clean and his yard and home looking nice. He also enjoyed bowling and he was a member of the Hillrose Fire Department and the Moose Lodge in Brush.
He followed his kids and their activities, and as our families grew, he enjoyed going to watch his Grandsons play in sports. He loved when all of our family was together and at family meals and holidays, we were told. “That’ll be twenty dollars, just leave it on the counter when you leave.” He was a jokester and he loved to make you laugh.
Gene is survived by his loving dog Nette, his 3 daughters, Sherry (Joe) Ruder, Jackie (Gab) Hill, and Julie (Roger) August, seven Grandsons, Jake, Ty (Celia) Kautz, Matt (Jamie) Ruder, Taylor (Kaitlin) Ruder, Trent (Lauren) Ruder, Dale (Grace) August, and Gary August and girlfriend Krisa; four step grandchildren, Brandon (Erin) Hill, Brianna (Matt) Kastner, Kasey (Lauren) Hill and Liz Gardocki; twelve great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. Gene is also survived by his sister, Wanda (Bob) Erosky.
Preceding Gene in death is the love of his life, Jeanette, their son, Marty, a grandson Nicholas Ruder, parents, Jacob & Pauline, and his brother Carl Kautz.
Visitation was held Tuesday, July 9th, followed by the funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment was at the Brush Memorial Cemetery.
Friends who wish may send memorial gifts in Gene Kautz’s name, to Brush Fire Department.