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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
H. Eugene
"Gene" Bishop
January 16, 1934 – December 30, 2020
Obituary
Gene Bishop, a proud veteran, small business owner, farmer, thoroughbred race horse owner, dog lover, sketch artist, outdoorsman, hunter, avid fisherman and most importantly, a loving husband, dad and grandpa, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the age of 86.
He was born in Bartlett, Nebraska on January 16th, 1934 to parents Hubert and Kathryn (Sturek) Bishop. As a child, he spent his days in the Sandhills of Nebraska learning the importance of hard work, while also crafting his love of fishing and hunting with his beloved dogs in tow. He grew into a talented athlete and excelled at basketball while at Wheeler Central High School. Gene joined the Army in the mid-50's and proudly served his country while stationed in Korea. He took on the sport of boxing while in Bartlett and in the service.
When Gene returned to the states, he continued his education and received his Bachelor's Degree in business from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. His education helped him enter the professional world of tax accounting, allowing him to open his own successful income tax preparation and real estate business in Grand Island. Gene married Elaine Janky in 1961. He also had a number of other talents, including ballroom dancing. His skills actually led him to become a ballroom dance instructor. He and Elaine became quite the pair on the dance floor.
They brought five children into the world and moved the family to a farm North of Grand Island in 1968. There he taught his children the value of hard work. Leading by example each day, spending long days in a sport coat at the office before coming home and changing into his boots and working on the farm. The Bishop farm became a stable for horses in the late 70's, when the decision was made to enter into the Nebraska thoroughbred horse racing scene. The beloved horses provided many memorable moments and excitement at Fonner Park, Aksarben and other race tracks across the state.
Gene continued running his business in Grand Island until his semi-retirement in the 1990's, when he moved his tax prep operation to the farm. It was then he decided to add a fishing sanctuary to the land. He carefully thought out and constructed three state of the art lakes, each abundantly stocked with a variety of fish. Eventually he built a cabin that overlooked two of the lakes. Gene spent many days on the lakes utilizing his skills as a master fly fisherman. This sanctuary was his pride and joy, which he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends. He loved teaching his grandchildren how to fish. More than anything, spending time with his kids and grandchildren fulfilled his life. He treasured those moments with all his heart.
Gene's life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife: Elaine Bishop of Grand Island, NE; his five children: Brad (Nancy) Bishop of Grand Island, NE, Joni (Marty) Winters, Rhonda (Pat) Dodson, Jerolyn (Bryce) Juedes and Janet Jurado all of Lincoln, NE; his nine grandchildren and hosts of others whom he touched over the years.
A private family memorial service will be Thursday, January 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island. The Rev. Donald A. Buhrman will officiate. The service will be livestreamed on Curran Funeral Chapel's Facebook page. Inurnment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honor Team. Memorials are suggested to the family with designation at a later date. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Gene's obituary.
Private Family Memorial
Curran Funeral Chapel
Thursday, January 7, 2021
2:00 PM
3005 South Locust Street
Grand Island, Nebraska 68801
CDC guidelines will be followed and masks are required.
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