BYRON – Gene Edward Reber, 82, of Byron passed away Saturday, Nov. 18 after a long illness. Gene was born in rural Byron on Dec. 3, 1934 to Clifford and Ruth (Winterland) Reber.
He graduated from Byron Schools in 1952 and then spent time in the Army before marrying Connie King in 1957. After farming with his father, he worked as a truck driver until his retirement. Gene gave back to Byron as a 4-H leader, Mason, Lions Club member, and he served on the Byron School Board. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and finally got to see them win a World Series. He had a love and passion for the circus, volunteering countless hours at the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wis. He was a devoted father and grandfather.
Gene is survived by his three children, Dennis (Suzanne) Reber of Monticello, Ind., Douglas (Penny) Reber and Teresa (Bob) Ashelford of Byron; eight grandchildren, Tom Ashelford (Katie Lentz), Denny, Peter, Emily, Jessica and Zach Reber, Tom Baker, Amanda (Nathan)Corzatt and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his partner, Dan Henry, and his sister, Gerry Franklin.
A Celebration of Life is planned on Thursday, Nov. 30, 4-7 p.m. at the Prarie View Golf Course pavilion in Byron. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wis.
