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Gene W. Kay, 87, of Arlington, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Nye Legacy in Fremont.

Born on November 23, 1938, in Omaha, Nebraska, Gene was the son of William and Amanda (Klassen) Kay. He spent his childhood growing up and working on the Family Apple Orchard in Fort Calhoun and graduated from Fort Calhoun High School in 1956 before attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

On August 2, 1959, Gene married Nona F. Nielsen, at First United Methodist Church in Blair. Together they built a life rooted in faith, love, and unwavering devotion to their family. In 1967, they made Arlington their home, where they raised their three children and created a lifetime of cherished memories.

Gene believed in the value of hard work and carried that belief throughout his career. He worked for Central States Insurance Company, Carpenter Paper Company, and Swift & Company in Omaha before beginning a 26-year career with Valmont Industries in Valley. Gene continued working for another 11 years with Mid American Computer Corporation in Blair.

Gene was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Fremont. He was also an active member of the Fremont Flyers, where he enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie of flying model airplanes. Whether he was spending a day on the golf course, taking pride in his beloved Camaro, or cheering on Husker athletics, Gene found happiness in life's everyday moments.

Gene's greatest joy was his family. He treasured every memory with his children and grandchildren, and there was nothing that brought him more pride and joy than attending his grandsons' activities, and milestones. He was their biggest supporter, quietly encouraging them with his steady presence and genuine interest in their lives.

Gene will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, gentle sense of humor, and kind, humble spirit. He led by example through his actions, generosity, and unwavering love for those around him. Though Gene will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in the many memories they shared, the values he instilled, and the quiet example he set each day. His life was one of faith, humility, and unconditional love.

Gene is lovingly survived by his daughters, Cindy (Neal) Mock of Albion, Nebraska, and Lori (Eric) Holstein of Elkhorn, Nebraska; his son, Alan (Debbie) Kay of Houston, Texas; and his six grandsons, Kyle (Taylor) Mock, Brian Mock, Grant (Liz) Kay, Jack Kay, Joshua Holstein, and Jonah Holstein.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nona, in 2008, and by his parents, William and Amanda Kay.

A funeral service celebrating Gene's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Fremont. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home in Arlington with Interment at the Arlington Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church in Fremont. Online condolences may be left at www.mosermemorialchapels.com. Reckmeyer-Moser Funeral Home 232 W. Eagle, Arlington, NE 68002 402- 478-4151

~~~ obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

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