Eugene Kenneth Gottschall

Gene was born on March 14, 1942, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania and raised in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school in 1960, Gene enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf in Alaska and later at Vandenberg in California - attending college in both states. After being honorably discharged Gene married his first wife, Kathryn Welshans and moved to New York where they started their family. It was here that Gene began his life long career with IBM, eventually retiring from the company after 37 years. In 1978 Gene moved his family to Tucson, Arizona. There he developed his love of horses and road trips, going on horseback rides with his daughter and taking his family on extended RV trips around the country. Gene loved the old West and he often toyed with the idea of owning property and several horses. He was also an avid fan of country music and old western movies. In 2000 Gene and his second wife Eileen moved to Cameron Park, California where they spent the remainder of their working years at IBM, anxiously awaiting retirement. And they made the most of it, enjoying and sharing many activities which included: visiting grandchildren, hosting campgrounds, RVing around the country, biking, kayaking, hiking and spending time with family whenever they could. They also squeezed in many trips to Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska and a trip to Europe. They had a passion for country dancing which began in Tucson and evolved into making their own dance floor in their California home. Family was always very important to Gene but there was never a Sunday you wouldn't find him watching a football game or two - a forever Steelers fan. In his final weeks he was surrounded by his loving family. On December 6, 2021 he was called to his eternal home in heaven at the age of 79. He was a good man. Kind. A loving father. A caring husband. A proud grandfather. A man with integrity and a strong work ethic. He was patient, always willing to help someone or give solid advice - only when asked. He was a rock to many and will never be replaced. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Gottschall and Marion (Underwood) Gottschall. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (Stamer) Gottschall of Cameron Park, California (her sons Dan and Brett Stamer). His daughter Karen Gottschall and her two children -- Ryan and Lauren -- all of Seattle, Washington. His sister, Marilyn Gottschall of Portland, Oregon (son Jesse). Extended family which includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and friends who knew and loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed. Scheduled services for Gene are cancelled as of today, January 6, 2022. A Funeral Mass at Holy Trinity Parish and a burial at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery will be rescheduled at a future date. As an expression of sympathy, instead of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions be sent to Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center http://www.cornerstonetrc.org/donate-2/