Obituary for Gene Kiral
Mr. Gene Richard Kiral, 78, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Friday, January 21, 2022 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital.
Gene was born on December 6, 1943 in Winona, MN to George and Goldie (Ledebuhr) Kiral. After graduating from Geddes High School in 1961, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was married on February 4, 1967 at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA to Joan Mary Bouchard. They enjoyed 54 years together.
In 1971, Gene and Joan relocated their family to Missouri. A mechanic by trade, Gene helped out at his brother’s gas station in Brazito while he worked at Cheesebrough-Ponds. He then worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement.
After retiring, Gene spent a lot of time outdoors keeping busy working in the yard and on anything he could get his hands on. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s events, and family gatherings. He faithfully played the Lottery and perfected the art of scratching Lottery tickets. He never met a stranger and enjoyed telling stories.
Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, Joan Kiral; daughters, Tracy Otto (Travis) of St. Elizabeth; Kelly Mattingly of Brentwood, TN; and Heather Kiral of Russellville; grandchildren, Logan Otto, Lauren Otto and Victoria Miller; brothers, Alan Kiral (Shirley) of Henley and Denis Kiral (Delores) of Holts Summit; and in-laws, Jackie Watson (J.D.) of Holyoke, MA, Dianna Batch of Monson, MA; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, brother-in-law, Paul Batch, nephews John Kiral and Alan Kiral Jr.
Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 11:00 until 1:00 pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 with a celebration of life following at 1:00 pm in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services with military honors will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Gene Kiral Memorial Fund.
A webcast of the service will begin at 1:00 PM Thursday for family and friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
Gene was born on December 6, 1943 in Winona, MN to George and Goldie (Ledebuhr) Kiral. After graduating from Geddes High School in 1961, Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was married on February 4, 1967 at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee, MA to Joan Mary Bouchard. They enjoyed 54 years together.
In 1971, Gene and Joan relocated their family to Missouri. A mechanic by trade, Gene helped out at his brother’s gas station in Brazito while he worked at Cheesebrough-Ponds. He then worked for the United States Postal Service until his retirement.
After retiring, Gene spent a lot of time outdoors keeping busy working in the yard and on anything he could get his hands on. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s events, and family gatherings. He faithfully played the Lottery and perfected the art of scratching Lottery tickets. He never met a stranger and enjoyed telling stories.
Survivors include: his wife of 54 years, Joan Kiral; daughters, Tracy Otto (Travis) of St. Elizabeth; Kelly Mattingly of Brentwood, TN; and Heather Kiral of Russellville; grandchildren, Logan Otto, Lauren Otto and Victoria Miller; brothers, Alan Kiral (Shirley) of Henley and Denis Kiral (Delores) of Holts Summit; and in-laws, Jackie Watson (J.D.) of Holyoke, MA, Dianna Batch of Monson, MA; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by: his parents, brother-in-law, Paul Batch, nephews John Kiral and Alan Kiral Jr.
Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 11:00 until 1:00 pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 with a celebration of life following at 1:00 pm in the Freeman Chapel. Graveside services with military honors will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Gene Kiral Memorial Fund.
A webcast of the service will begin at 1:00 PM Thursday for family and friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.