Gene F Walmsley

Gene Francis Walmsley, 91, died on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at UnityPoint Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo. He was born on January 5, 1934, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of James and Ruby (Francis) Walmsley. He graduated from Teachers College High School in 1952 before enlisting in the U.S. Navy Reserves. On December 12, 1952, he was united in marriage to Barbara “Bobbie” Shelton at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Gene was a fireman for the City of Cedar Falls Fire Department for 33 years until his retirement in 1989. Gene is best remembered by those who treasured him for passionately loving Jesus, his family, and all creatures great and small. He was a gifted artist in his early years and loved to “doodle”. His paintings of Christ are his finest work, depict his attention to detail and gave our home a constant reminder that “Christ was the head of this house.” Our home was filled with his comforting melodies whether he was whistling, singing or humming a tune, it brought pure joy to any ears it fell on. Gene was a firefighter for 32 years retiring in 1989. He also worked at his parent’s Coast to Coast store off and on until it was eventually sold. He worked for the Tree Department and owned and operated “The Little Store” which was attached to our family home and impacted the “sweet tooth” each of us has to this day. He was appropriately referred to as “Mr. Fixit” and “Jack of all the Trades” as he never had a broken gadget he wasn’t willing to tackle. His passion over the years included Honda Gold Wing motorcycles, he had quite the collection for a season and he and mother were blessed to take many wonderful road trips across the country together making lasting memories. He was a talented woodworker and created many pieces that still adorn homes to this day. His witty and sometimes “off color” sense of humor was sure to leave us in tears on many occasions. He loved laughter and had a gift of creating it whenever he was present. He was a humble man but would pride himself on dressing for under a dollar a day in his classic staple chambray and denim from his “distributor” aka garage sales. He excelled at listening, making time for others and embracing them with his signature back patting hug that left you assured of his empathy and love. As a family we feel blessed beyond measure that God gifted us with this incredible husband, father, and grandfather. His impact of love ripples into eternity Gene is survived by his wife Bobbie of Cedar Falls; children, Vonnie (Jerry) Nielsen of Cedar Falls, Doug (Rosemary) Walmsley of Cedar Falls, Debbie (Mark) Miller of Bozman, MT, and Susan (Gregg) Shephard of Cedar Falls; 13 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Walmsley; and sister, Marilyn Bitcon. Memorial services will be 11:00 Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 25th at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Heights Baptist Church.

Gene F Walmsley

January 5, 1934 - July 19, 2025