Gene Haux

Gene Raymond Haux, 75, of Rupert, Idaho, passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 in his home of Parkinson's, a debilitating disease for which there is no cure yet.

Gene was born September 2, 1942 in Bowdle, South Dakota to Herman Henry and Verna (Laemmle) Haux of Java, South Dakota.

He was a self-made man. Only going to the 8th grade, he had to leave school to tend the family's 640-acre farm with the help of his Uncle Ed (mom's brother) so his parents could take care of his 2 year old sister's medical needs. He did not return to school.

Gene enlisted into the army where he passed his GED, went to Mechanical School, was asked to be the Instructor, which helped to further his career later on, and bumped him up in rank. He also received Expert Marksmanship Status. When his father became ill he was again called home to tend the farm. He finished the remainder of his service in the National Guard.

At 24 he moved to Southern California. While working as a mechanic at Chrysler he started a small repair shop in his garage that grew into a lucrative business, he names "Dakota Diesel", repairing fleet trucks, heavy equipment and fabricating machinery and parts.

His mother had always told him to wait until he was 40 to get married. When he was 38 he met Kitty and said "Mom was right".

Tired of the fast pace of California living he and Kitty relocated to Rupert, Idaho in 1993, bringing his business now named Dakota Enterprises. He opened his shop on their 4 acres, south of Rupert, repairing farm machinery and heavy equipment until his retirement. He was honest and hardworking making many friends along the way.

The year he moved to Rupert he joined the Rupert Elks 2106 holding several offices including Exalted Ruler twice, transferred his American Legion membership to Rupert Post 10 where he held the office of Commander for several years then Vice Commander until this year. He also joined the Magic Valley Antique Tractor Pullers became Sec/Treas for 5 years and a Board Member for 9 years. He enjoyed the comradery of the members and the competition of pulling the tractors he collected and restored until he developed Macular Degeneration and couldn't see.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, competition trap shooting (winning many awards), reloading and playing with his tractors and grandkids. To his grandkids and great-grandkids Papa Gene was a gentle giant.

Gene is survived by his wife Kitty, daughters Melyssa (Ben) of Kingman, AZ ~ Candi (John II) of Lakeside, CA ~ stepsons Jesse Andrews of El Cajon, CA ~ John Andrews of El Cajon, CA ~ Tony (Rocheen) Andrews of Murrieta, CA~ 12 grandkids, 8 great grandkids ~ brother Darcy (Laurie) Haux of Rupert~ aunt Bertha (Haux) Kasper of Whitefish Montana, cousin Mercedes (Haux) Schilling of Billings, MT, nephew Thomas England of Jacksonville, FL, niece Candy (England) Fiorello of Surry Virginia and best friend of 50 years Bruce Bishop and family of Jerome.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Verna and sister Kandace (Haux) England.

Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Owens (Rupert, ID), Dr. John Steffens (Twin Falls, ID) and the staff at Harrison's Hope Hospice, Nurses Kayle, Lora Lynn, Lora and Kathryn, Aide Michelle, Social Worker Kenn and Pastor Dan for their help and concern, also good friends Gerry & Peggy Holbrook for their friendship & support.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2018 at Hansen Mortuary Viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the mortuary and for one hour prior to the services. Services will conclude with burial Military Honors and Elk Rites in the Rupert Cemetery under the direction of Hansen Mortuary. Lunch at the Rupert Elks 2106 following.

Funeral Service Date of Service: Jun. 1, 2018