S. Gene Niebel

SHELBYVILLE

Sr. Gene Niebel, 80, of Shelbyville passed away on Saturday July 31, 2021 at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis.

He was born April 1, 1941 in Shelbyville, son of Sumner Niebel and Mildred (Mohr) Niebel McDonald. On June 7, 1986, he married Kathy Gunning, and she was predeceased on October 12, 2002.

Gene is survived by his son Curtis Niebel and his wife Stefanie, of Edinburgh; daughters, Karen Smith and husband, Lindel, of Shelbyville, and Beth Holmes of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Zachary Niebel and wife, Sonja, Brittany Zimny ​​and husband, Kevin, Lindel Smith II and girlfriend, Olivia, Joshua Burgess, Max Burgess, Jeffrey Burgess, Kathrine Holmes, and Ashley Pease and fiance ‘Josh Givens; great-grandchildren, Cameron Zimny, Jordan Zimny, Logan Zimny, Ava Pease and two en route, Lindel Thomas Smith III and Bennett Givens; special friends, Carole Bashore and Libby Hudson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to Kathy, Gene was predeceased by his parents; and one brother, Glen A. Niebel.

Gene graduated in 1959 from Shelbyville High School and attended Indiana Business College.

He was a veteran of the Army National Guard and Air Reserves.

Gene was a member of the First Christian Church.

He was a farmer for 20 years, both in agriculture and in pig breeding.

Gene has been a drummer in several bands over the years. He was an avid golfer and a racing fan. Gene was a former member of the United Midget Racing team. He had liked fishing, as a hobby. Gene was also passionate about maple syrup. He was an amazing baker and cook.

Visitations will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 4, 2021 at the Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Shelby County.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Christian Church, 118 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences can be shared with Gene’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.