Gene Lawrence Vande Lune

Gene Lawrence Vande Lune, a lifelong resident of Prairie City, Iowa, passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 93. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Prairie City United Methodist Church, where all are invited to celebrate his life. Visitation will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the same location. Following the service, Gene will be laid to rest at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City. Military rites will be held at the cemetery. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please address it to, “Attn: Gene Vande Lune, Coburn Funeral Home, 24 W Howard St, Colfax, Iowa, 50054.” In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Prairie City Lions Club in Gene’s name. Gene was very passionate about erecting an information podium for veterans at the Garden Square Downtown Park in Prairie City, it would be his wish to see this project come to life.

The son of Gradus and Henrietta (Steenhoek) Vande Lune, Gene was born on the farm outside of Prairie City on November 18, 1931. Gene was an excellent athlete and was part of a six-man state champion football team. After graduating from Prairie City High School, he attended AIB to become an accountant. Shortly after finishing at AIB, Gene proudly served his country in the Korean War. His service would inspire a strong sense of patriotism for the rest of his life. He was married to Louaine Stevens; they were blessed with 71 years and three children together.

Gene worked as an accountant and always kept busy. From a young age, he loved serving in his community. Whether it was the Lions Club, the Prairie City United Methodist Church, or the Prairie City Legion Post, he was honored to help. It was hard to live in Prairie City without knowing Gene. He was a kind man who would give anyone a hand. This service was rewarded as he received the first Prairie City Lifetime Achievement Award. Gene dearly loved his family; he worked hard to support them and was always willing to try and fix something if it broke. Gene’s attitude was trying to fix it first and call for help second. His legacy of love, service, and passion for his family and the organizations he held close will always be remembered.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Louaine (Stevens) Vande Lune; his two daughters, Kayla Aalbers and GayLynn (Steve) Schnelker; a daughter in law, Ellen Vande Lune; his brother, Doyle Vande Lune; his grandchildren, Alan Birkenholtz, Kristel Usener, Dustin Aalbers, Andrea Schnelker, Jenna Schnelker, Christopher Vande Lune, and Kyle Vande Lune, as well as five great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Gene in death are his parents, Gradus and Henrietta (Steenhoek) Vande Lune; a son, Craig Vande Lune; two siblings, Marvin Vande Lune and Vivian Van Wyngarden; and a grandson, Brad Birkenholtz.