Gene R. Boots, 73, of Elkader, died peacefully on September 28, 2009, at his home. He had been courageously battling prostate cancer for several years.

Gene was born August 15, 1936, in Elkader, to Ramon and Greta (Lenth) Boots. He was raised in Elkader and graduated from Central Community School in 1955. After graduation, Gene served in the United States Navy from June 1955, until he was honorably discharged in June of 1957. He served aboard the "USS Hornet".

After returning from the service, Gene worked for his parents at Boots Produce and at Central Community Hospital in Elkader. In 1967, he was hired as custodian at Central Community Schools, where he worked for thirty years before retiring in 1997. Gene enjoyed watching baseball games, especially the Cubs, fishing, and playing cards at Gene's Place.

Survivors include his daughters, Toni (Dan) Moser of Escondido, California and Sue Ann (Doug) Larson of Elkader; two very special granddaughters, Stephanie Moser of Escondido, California and Alison Larson of Elkader and his sister Bonnie Severson of Elkader.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

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