Eugene Richard 'Gene' Bogner, 67, died suddenly and unexpectedly at his home near Springview, NE on October, 4, 2008. He was born September 10, 1941 to Nicholas Alois and Rose Frances (Janzing)
Bogner at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Hot Springs, SD. Gene was baptized in St. Martin's Catholic Church in Oelrichs, SD and confirmed at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hot Springs. He was an alter server at St. Martin's for many years.

Gene attended grade school at the country schools: Windy Hill, Davidson and Thomsen. After graduation from Hot Springs High School he worked on the ranch and after his father died helped care for his mother. Gene loved the ranch life; the animals, our saddle horse "Whitie", the birds and numerous pets. He liked science and the history of dinosaurs and he read the National Geographic magazine from cover to cover.

At one time Gene took flying lessons to try to become a pilot. He enjoyed traveling and exploring and finding Fairburn agates. The hills and mountains were fascinating to him as a self proclaimed geologist.

Gene had a unique talent to water witch and found many excellent wells in both South Dakota and Nebraska. Another talent that he possessed was to write poetry and as an artist did drawing and sketching. He also loved to sing.

In 1971 Gene was seriously injured when a bridge collapsed on Highway 79. It was a dark night and he and the car ended up in a hole. He suffered the rest of his life from these injuries including many broken bones.

Gene married the love of his life, Judith Dempsey, in Hot Springs. He was her rock and towering guardian angel cowboy. He was a kind, gentle, soft spoken and Godly man. They were soul mates. He ranched and farmed on his Granddad Janzings' place near Emmet, NE for many years before moving to Springview, NE.

Gene was a devoted son, loving husband, caring and supportive father, precious brother, wonderful grandfather, gentle godfather, kind uncle and a gracious friend and neighbor.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Bridgette Crow, who died in 2003 at the age of twenty-three.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Judith of Springview, NE; granddaughter, Tiffany Ann Crow of Nevada; two sisters, Marie K. Piper of Harrison, NE; Delores J. Muhm of Sturgis, SD; brother, Nick J. Bogner of Oelrichs, SD and numerous nieces; nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Rosary and Wake will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 9, 2008 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hot Springs with Father Peter Kovarik as celebrant. Interment will take place at the Hillside Cemetery west of Oelrichs.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.