Gene William Niewoehner

October 13, 1954 ~ July 31, 2025
Born in:
New Hampton, IA
Resided in:
rural Sumner, IA
Gene William Niewoehner age 70 of rural Sumner, IA, died Thursday, July 31, 2025, at MercyOne in Waterloo.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Pivo Brewery Event Center in Calmar, IA, with Rev. Laurie Nelson officiating. A time to greet the family will happen following the service until 6:00 p.m. at the Brewery.
Gene William Niewoehner (70), of rural Sumner, Iowa, passed away on July 31st, leaving behind a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and a deep reverence for family, history, and the land that raised him. Born in 1954 to Adolph and Eva Mae Niewoehner, Gene was the younger brother of Alan Roy Niewoehner, whose tragic passing in childhood would shape Gene’s compassionate and reflective spirit for the rest of his life.
Gene grew up on the Niewoehner family farm, where he learned early the value of hard work, the rhythms of rural life, and the quiet wisdom of his father. He was endlessly fascinated by old farm implements and traditions, and from a young age, he was captivated by the history woven into every fence post and furrow. Gene not only preserved that history, he celebrated it, often spending hours scanning old family photos, retelling stories, and bringing the past back to life with humor and pride.
Life for Gene was never meant to stay within the lines. With a mind that raced ahead and a heart that felt deeply, he struggled in school at first but thrived under the guidance of teachers who saw his potential. His rich baritone voice became a source of pride and service, leading him to sing at countless weddings and funerals over the years, with The Lord’s Prayer becoming his signature piece. Music, like storytelling, became a way he connected with the world.
After high school, Gene found new confidence at Waldorf College and later Wartburg, where he continued to sing, studied business, and even became a cheerleader, proving that he was never afraid to step out of his comfort zone when passion called. Though he dreamed of returning to the family farm, college gave him the space to grow, to think, and to prepare for the life he would eventually build.
Gene found love later than some, but when he met Cheryl at the Riviera Ballroom in Janesville, it was clear he had found someone who not only accepted his quirks but smoothed out some of the rougher edges. Together, they built a life full of joy, hard work, and shared adventures. Their love endured, deepened, and stood as a testament to patience, humor, and the kind of devotion that only grows stronger with time.
He adored being a father to Laura and Jared, and relished the role of grandfather. His grandchildren—Lily, Leslie, Liam, and Eve—were his pride and joy. Gene shared a special bond with Lily, his oldest granddaughter, and was one of her fiercest advocates as she navigates life with Williams Syndrome. Gene gave his whole heart to his family, often dropping everything to help with projects, repairs, or simply to make them laugh.
A true extrovert, Gene never met a stranger. Whether he was snowmobiling in Wisconsin, swapping stories over Black Velvet, or attending caroling parties with his beloved Fusion friends, Gene’s magnetic presence lit up the room. He had an infectious grin, a never-ending supply of jokes, and a warmth that could crack even the sternest of faces, including his mother-in-law’s.
Gene’s heart belonged to the farm. The old barn, the dusty implements, the memories etched into every board and beam, they were his sanctuary. He took immense pride in preserving the family farm, not just as a piece of land, but as a living chapter of his family’s story.
He is preceded in death by his beloved brother, Alan Roy Niewoehner; his mother, Eva Mae Niewoehner; and his father, Adolph Frederick Niewoehner.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Cheryl Ann Niewoehner; his children, Laura Kelsey Cook (Sean Michael Cook) and Jared Alan Niewoehner (Hannah Christine Niewoehner); his grandchildren, Lily Addison Cook, Leslie Rose Cook, Liam Finnley Cook, and Eve Inez Niewoehner; and countless friends, neighbors, and relatives who were touched by his kindness, humor, and vibrant spirit.
Gene Niewoehner lived a life of color and complexity, sometimes outside the lines, but always full of purpose and heart. His stories, his laughter, and his love will echo through the barn rafters, the family gatherings, and the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
Cheryl and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You have my deepest sympathy.
Cheryl and family. So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all.
Cheryl and family, So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. My thoughts and prayers for all.
Love and sympathy to Cheryl and all the family. I visited the farm not long after the amazing barn renovation for the wedding. It was such a wonderful day, and very good time with Gene. He will be missed by many.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Cheryl and family,
You have my deepest condolences.
2 Cor. 1:3-4 says that God Himself comes along our side and comforts us in all our affliction, so that we in turn are enabled to comfort others in their affliction. This is the body of Christ coming together to love, pray and support you during your time of great sorrow. Gene and I knew each other from Kindergarten to my first Semester at Waldorf Jr. College at Forest City. If I remember correctly, I think I went with Gene to buy his first car, a Blue & white 1972 Chevy Nova. We can only trust that Gene fulfilled his assignment on earth in the time he had. May the Lord wrap his arms around you all with his love.
My sympathy to you Cheryl and the family. We are so sorry for your great loss.
So very sorry for your loss Cheryl. Will be thinking of you in the days to come and praying that you find comfort and strength.
My deepest sympathy to you Cheryl. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. I miss seeing your cheerful face at the clinic.
Cheryl and family, so sorry for your loss.
Sincere sympathies with thoughts and prayers 🙏
You have my sympathy, Cheryl, as well as your family. God Bless you all.
So deeply sorry. I’ll forever cherish my time getting to know Gene through The Country Road Players, so many years ago. Please know I’m holding your family close as you grieve this keen loss.
Cheryl and Family my sympathy and prayers are with you at this sad time in your life, my all your great memories
help you at this time. Marian Gebel
I am so sorry for your loss. Having his memorial at the Pivo is where he would approve of. It seems such a short time ago that we lived in Grossman Hall at Wartburg and only knew each other because he was in the lounge watching T.V. every available moment. I never knew if he went to class. He held a special place in so many hearts!
So very sorry for your loss, Cheryl! Sending love and hugs
I’m thinking about you during this difficult time. My condolences.
We send our sincere condolences to Gene’s family. He is remembered getting the threshing machine running well for the Power Show. The straw bundles were fork pitched into the machine with care, and then we all got to watch the straw pile up and the oats and wheat fill up the wagons. Gene showed us that old threshing days were hard work for all. Gene’s laughter and wit and song will be missed by many.
I did not know Gene but after reading his tributes, he seemed like a great man. I had written an article on Orphan Trains for the Lawler Historical Society and Gene submitted some valuable information and a much needed photograph. The information made all the difference in the world about his relative mentioned in the article. Thank you Gene, wish I could have met you and shaken your hand. My sincere condolences to the family and comfort yourself that Gene is going to the right place. Where all great men go.
Rest in peace old tractor friend
Our sympathy to you Cheryl and your family.
Prayers for your comfort in this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Louise and Donn Harris
Deepest sympathy to the family
Our deepest sympathy Cheryl and family.
So so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father.. my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our sympathies to Cheryl and family.