Eugene K. “Gene” Streeter, 81, of Elm Creek, Nebraska, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Hilltop Estates on February 19, 2026.
Gene was born on July 27, 1944, in Elm Creek, Nebraska, to Jacob “Joe” and Marjorie Streeter. He grew up in Elm Creek and graduated from Overton High School in 1963. A gifted athlete in his youth, Gene was honored as Athlete of the Decade in the Fort Kearney Conference. He went on to have a brief baseball career and remained active in local softball leagues for many years. His love of sports extended well beyond his own playing days—he coached Little League, served as an umpire, and was a steady presence at his children’s sporting events, always showing up with quiet pride and encouragement.
Gene began his career with Missouri Valley before dedicating over 30 years to Simons Construction, where he worked as a lead heavy equipment mechanic until his retirement. He took great pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic and exceptional mechanical skill.
On April 24, 1965, Gene married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Joyce, in Loomis, Nebraska. Together they built a life centered on hard work and family. Their union was blessed with three children: Shannon, Brent, and Salli.
Gene’s greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with them and especially enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren. He enjoyed country drives and would happily watch any sport on television, but he had a special love for baseball and football—cheering faithfully for the Denver Broncos and the ever-rebuilding Nebraska Cornhuskers. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes and marbles, yard work and gardening, and watching old westerns—never missing an episode of Gunsmoke. He also loved the classics—The Three Stooges, Sanford and Son, and The Jeffersons—and got a kick out of Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show. Gene knew no strangers; he would talk it up with everyone and help those he saw in need. In his later years, Gene especially enjoyed riding his mower around town with his longtime friend, Denny Christophersen, sharing laughs and creating many lasting memories together.
His steady presence, quiet strength, and sense of humor will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Lloyd, Floyd, Lucille, Lila, Pat, Chet, Joe, Loren Dean, Beverly Kay, Dwain, and Raymond; and brothers-in-law Jerry and Claud.
Gene is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce; his children Shannon (Melinda), Brent (Deb), and Salli (Rajuy); his grandchildren Aubreigh, Ariannah, Anaya, and Zayden; his sisters Shirley Dozier and Ellen Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg, Nebraska, with Jimmy Mann officiating. Burial will follow at Brady Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, February 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF).