Gene Schimpf

Gene Schimpf, age 78, passed away peacefully at the hospital on Saturday, June 21, 2025, with family and friends at his side. Born in Hillsboro, Kansas, he was the son of Ezra and Kathryn (Heiser) Schimpf.

Gene spent his childhood in Marion, Kansas 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 August 14, 1968, Gene married his High School Sweetheart, Connie Jost. Gene's career with Ford Motor Company took him and his family to various locations in the United States. His daughter, Stephanie, would often ask: "Daddy, when do we get to move again?"

After retirement from Ford Motor Company, Gene and Connie moved to Black Mountain, North Carolina. Gene loved the Blue Ridge Mountains where he helped build their Mountain Home that they enjoyed for twenty 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 on 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, a Deacon, and on the Endowment Personnel and Property Committees. He was also known for his active involvement where he enjoyed the prison ministry of Karios. For many years, he had participated, led and sponsored attendees to Emmaus, a spiritual retreat.

He was always guided by the principle of doing the right things for the right reasons and he was greatly respected by all. Gene was a loyal member of the Black Mountain Kiwanis Club, where he served as President.

Gene had a passion for building and working on cars that started at an early age and continued until retirement. He had a natural knack for fixing things and an even greater gift for light-hearted mischief- especially when it came to teasing friends and family, 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 we've 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 fifty-seven years, Connie Schimpf; sisters-in-law, Susie Schimpf, Willard, Missouri, Karen Enns (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.

A celebration of life will be held on August 9, 2025 at 2:00PM at the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church in Black Mountain, NC.

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

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