Gene H. Wallerich, age 88 of Washington, Iowa, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Halcyon House in Washington.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Faith Baptist Church in Washington with services conducted by Jim Stout. Calling hours will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29th, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Interment with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 29 will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County and the American Legion. Online condolences may be sent for Gene’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Gene was born on September 18, 1937, in Sigourney, Iowa, the son of George and Ida Pearl (Spies)Wallerich. He attended school in Sigourney and graduated from Sigourney High School. Gene was united in marriage to Carolyn Beal on April 27, 1957, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Gene has lived in Washington, Iowa, since 1971 where he was the Meat Department Manager for Hy-Vee Food Store until his retirement. He previously worked for Hy-Vee in Oskaloosa and Lamoni, Iowa. Following his retirement, he drove for GSTC for several years. Gene was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and was privileged to participate in the 50th Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

He was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Washington. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 29 and the American Rifle Association. Gene enjoyed going on motorcycle rides, camping, hunting, playing pool and having coffee with his friends. He was a Chicago Cubs and Seattle Seahawks fan. He and Carolyn wintered in Texas for over 20 years. Gene cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Crystal (Larry) Turnipseed of Lakeway, Texas; daughter, Renee (Merv) Hershberger of Riverside, Iowa; son, Cleveland (Lori) Wallerich of Wichita Falls, Texas; four grandchildren: Joshua (Melissa) Stark, Jared (Alyssa) Turnipseed, Brandon Conaway, Emma (Brandon) Wallerich Gibson; and three great grandchildren: Kate Stark, Hudson Turnipseed and Casen Turnipseed. He is also survived by one brother, Dave (Judy) Wallerich of Sigourney, Iowa.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carolyn, in 2025; and six siblings: Leo, Dale, Gladys, Virginia, Barbara and Elizabeth.