Eugene “Gene” Clyde Ostler, 78 was born on September 21, 1945 to Clyde and Lola Johnson Ostler. He was the oldest of 3 sons. He passed away unexpectedly at his home in Salem, Utah on December 5, 2023.
He grew up in Spanish Fork, Utah where he spent his younger years working on his Grandpa Johnson’s farm in Lake Shore along with his uncles, brother, and cousins. He loved that experience and had wonderful memories of that time in his life. He grew up playing baseball in his youth and he had a lifelong love of the game. Gene participated in basketball, baseball, and football at Spanish Fork High School, graduating in 1963. He was a loyal “Don” and member of the infamous club called the “WojWoda.” He attended Spanish Fork High School baseball and football games his entire life.
Gene achieved his Eagle Scout award and he was very proud of that accomplishment.
He joined the National Guard after high school and was stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. He enjoyed his time in the military and spoke of it often.
Gene went to work at Geneva Steel in the Open Hearth, working there for 27 years. In 1988, he went back to school to become a truck driver working for Long View Fiber for the next 15 years. In 2001, Gene was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He survived that trial and lived for another 22 years.
In 1968, he married Virginia (Ginger) Hatfield; they had one son together, Chris Ostler, and later divorced.
Gene then married Peggy Archuleta on February 10, 1979 and they spent 45 wonderful years together, having one son, Gentry, and one daughter, Dawn. Gene has 9 beautiful grandchildren, including 7 girls and 2 boys, that he adored.
His hobbies included enjoying the outdoors, hunting, sports, and trap shooting. 50 years ago, he was a founding member of the Spanish Fork Gun Club. Gene won 4 state champion buckles as well as shooting 100/100 clay pigeons more than once.
Gene and Peggy took close to 25 trips to Yellowstone National Park – one of his favorite place in the world. They traveled often to various parts of Montana to participate in trap shooting competitions. As a couple, they enjoyed long rides up the beautiful canyons near home, going to concerts together, target practicing, attending Salt Lake Bees, Orem Owls, and Colorado Rockies baseball games. They enjoyed spending time with their kids and grandkids. Gene was also a die-hard Utes fan, whether they were winning or losing.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his brother Randy Ostler. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; and his sons, Chris (Natalie), Spanish Fork; Gentry (Nadean), Payson; and daughter, Dawn, in Salem. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Gracie, Olivia, Jessie, Ella, Morgan, Brody, Sammie, Taylar, and Evie; and by his brother, Ron (Kathy) Ostler of Salem.
The viewings and funeral service will be held at the Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork, Utah, as follows: Viewing, Tuesday evening, December 12, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The funeral will be the following day, December 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a brief viewing from 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. prior to funeral. A lunch will be served for all friends and family at the Salem Community Center at Knoll Park in Salem, Utah, following the services.
4 Condolences for Gene C. Ostler
Condolences(4)
Sharon Creer says
December 11, 2023 at 2:42 amPeggy and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was always so kind. I remember having a crush on him when I was in junior high school and he just tolerated my youth.
John Yorkey says
December 11, 2023 at 3:21 amI started trapshooting in 2010 at the Spanish Fork Gun Club. I would shoot one or two times a week in the summer and Gene was always there. He would give me tips and helped me improve. We shot together in many ATA events. I’m glad I was able to know him and will miss him at the gun club. My condolences to his family and friends. Peace.
Frank Kanig says
December 13, 2023 at 5:50 pmGene has been a Good Friend throughout the years…..And it is things like His sudden passing that make it all too clear how quickly those years go by. My Sincere Condolences to Peggy & the Family. We will miss you Geno!
Veronica Gonzales says
December 14, 2023 at 5:00 amUncle Gene or ‘Geno’ has been an unnoticed part of our families lives. It is now very noticeable and there will be a huge void for us all. No more seeing him pop in the kitchen to grab a snack or coffee and then start chit chatting. His perfect lawn is remembered. I remember first meeting him as 4 year old. I was the flower girl in his and Aunt Peggy’s wedding along with Jennifer ans Chris the ring boy. I thought that he looked like Ken. (Barbies Ken). I spent alot of time at Aunt Stella and Aunt Peggy’s as a child. He was always in the living room usually sitting on the fireplace. Watching news or sports. I remember being intimidated by him as a child but got to see him in a whole new light when I had my oldest child Destiny. I saw a side of Geno that I loved. He was so good to her. He loved all of the many babies in our family. To see him be silly and help out with the many kids was amazing to watch. Aunt Peggy helped so much with the kids taking them on outings, feeding many many lunches and Geno tolerated it all and handled it so so well. All of the time and effort that Aunt Peggy gave us all was also Genos time and sacrifice. I’m glad to have known him. I’m sad for Aunt Peggy, kids and grandkids. Rest easy Geno.
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