GLENWOOD — Eugene (Gene) John Hlavka, 91, formerly of Glenwood, passed away on Sept. 18, 2012, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Gene was born in Racine, Wis. on Aug. 2, 1921, to Anna and John Hlavka. He graduated from Horlick High School in Racine where he met his wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Fox).

Gene was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving his country in the Philippines during World War II. After the war he enrolled at Iowa State University, graduating with a BS degree in Science. He and Dorothy were married in 1947 and had three children, Judy Schall, Omaha, Neb., Dennis, Silver Springs, Md. and Gary Des Moines, Iowa.

Gene worked for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for over 25 years, first as a game warden and then as a biologist. After moving to Arkansas he was employed by the Corps of Engineers at Lake Ouachita. Gene and Dorothy lived out their retirement years in Glenwood. He recently moved back to Iowa, living in Des Moines with his son Gary.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman and had many passions in life, including hunting, fishing, walking, training his hunting dogs, reading, and playing cards. Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, two sons, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and the many friends he made in his lifetime.

Published: 10/07/2012