Raymond E. Gene Havel Jr., 64, of Grand Island, Nebraska, died Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at his home with his family at his side. Services will be Monday, September 16, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church. The Rev. Bob Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard, U. S. Navy Honor Team, along with Genes niece Jennifer Kerkman. Visitation will be Sunday, September 15, 2013, from 4 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Gene was born October 28, 1948, at Tilden, Nebraska. He was the son of Raymond J. and Irene E. (Day) Havel. His daughter Ginger R. Griffiths preceded him in death on November 7, 2010. Survivors of the immediately family include his wife of 41 years, Sandi Havel of Grand Island, NE Two sons and a daughter-in-law, Gerrod and Brett Havel of Grand Island, NE Garrett Havel of Grand Island, NE His mother, Irene Havel of Bartlett, NE Two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Judy Havel of Bartlett, NE Jerry and Jackie Havel of Grand Island, NE Three sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita and Terry Muir of Grand Island, NE Janette and Norm Bialas of Fullerton, NE Judy and Mike Kerkman of Elgin, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Victoria Griffiths, Wyatt Hopkins, Ashlynn and Quentin Havel, numerous nieces and nephews. Gene grew up in Wheeler County attending Red Top Grade School and graduated from Wheeler County High School in Bartlett, NE in 1967. He attended a welding trade school in Omaha, NE before entering the U.S. Navy on March 17, 1969. He married Sandi Robinson on September 2, 1972, at Ericson, NE. They lived in National City, CA until Genes honorable discharge on March 2, 1973. They returned to Grand Island where Gene began his employment with Chief Automotive working as a welder and later lead man/supervisor until the plant closing in 2009. He then worked for Rogue Manufacturing as a machinist until March 2013. Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, shooting guns with his sons, camping, fishing, boating, hunting, traveling and woodcarving. He was the ultimate handy man, he could fix anything. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Platt-Duetsche and the VFW. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the familys choice. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond J. Havel and daughter Ginger R. Griffiths. Online condolences may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Genes obituary.