Former farmer and stockman Eugene F. “Gene” Stika, 71, died Sept. 19 at St. Luke Living Center in Marion.

He was born June 9, 1943, at Tampa to Mike and Helen (Vavra) Stika. He was a 1961 graduate of Tampa High School, and served in the Army. His first marriage was to Elaine Reznicek, and they had three sons. He later married Judy Novak Nickel. Gene drove a truck and was a farmer and stockman.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Vernon.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Lincolnville; three sons, Michael, of Burdick, John, of Creston, Ohio, and Jason, of Lincolnville; step-children Kerry Nickel, of Minneapolis, Kim Poague, of Salina, and Kacey Nickel, of Tampa; a brother, LaVerne Stika, of Herington; and 19 grandchildren.

Services were held on Tuesday, at Holy Family Parish, St. John Nepomucene Church, Pilsen. Inurnment will be in the Pilsen Cemetery.

Memorial funds have been established for the Fr. Kapaun Fund or Good Shepherd Hospice, in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, Marion.