IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Gene Schimpf

A celebration of life for Gene Schimpf, 78, who passed away peacefully in a hospital Saturday, June 21, 2025, with family and friends at his side, will be scheduled later.

Born in Hillsboro to Ezra and Kathryn (Heiser) Schimpf, Gene spent his childhood in Marion, where he attended Marion High School.

A natural athlete, he played basketball and football throughout his high school years.

After graduating, he attended Kansas State University and Pittsburg State University. His competitive nature allowed him to enjoy playing football at both universities.

On Aug. 14, 1968, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Connie Jost.

Gene’s career with Ford Motor Co. took him and his family to various locations in the United States.

His daughter, Stephanie, often would ask: “Daddy, when do we get to move again?”

After retirement from Ford, Gene and Connie moved to Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Gene loved the Blue Ridge Mountains, where he helped build their mountain home, which they enjoyed for 20 years.

Together, they shared many wonderful years filled with love, laughter, adventures, and cherished memories.

When they left the mountain, they moved to Givens Highland Farms retirement village in Black Mountain. Gene soon became involved at Givens Highland Farms with various committees and activities.

Gene was a man of deep faith, being an active member of the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder and a deacon and on the church’s endowment, personnel, and property committees.

He was also known for his active involvement and enjoyed the prison ministry of Karios. For many years, he participated, led, and sponsored attendees to Emmaus, a spiritual retreat.

He always was guided by the principle of doing the right things for the right reasons and was greatly respected by all.

Gene was a loyal member of Black Mountain Kiwanis Club, where he served as president.

Gene had a passion that started at an early age and continued until retirement for building and working on cars.

He had a knack for fixing things and an even greater gift for light-hearted mischief — especially when it came to teasing friends and relatives, a pastime he truly relished.

He loved telling jokes and even had a few good ones now and then.

Gene was ornery but fiercely loyal, endlessly entertaining, and always himself. His heart was indeed one of the biggest ever known.

Whether volunteering in his church, helping fix a car, giving somebody a ride, or helping a friend, Gene’s generosity knew no bounds. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His presence was a source of joy, strength, and unwavering support to many.

He was a devoted father and husband and the best friend one could ask for.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Connie Schimpf; sisters-in-law Susie Schimpf of Willard, Missouri; Karen Enns (and husband Pete) of Kingsburg, California; and Cindy Wohlgemuth of Claremore, Oklahoma; as well as his cousins, nephews, and nieces — all of whom Gene loved.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Callahan; his parents, Ezra and Kathryn Schimpf; his brother, Jon Schimpf; and brother-in-law Willis Wohlgemuth.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the organizations Gene was deeply passionate about: Black Mountain Presbyterian Church Endowment, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain NC 28711 and Givens Philanthropy, Highland Farms Life Enrichment, 200 Tabernacle Rd, Black Mountain NC 28711.