Eugene R. “Gene” Rhoda, of Valparaiso, died Monday, Oct. 31, 2005 at the V.N.A. Hospice Center. He was 69.

He was born April 2, 1936 in Valparaiso, the son of James and Lula (Martens) Rhoda, both of whom preceded him in death.

On Feb. 18, 1961 he married Carole Eckert, who preceded him in death in 1997.

He is survived by a daughter, Gina Lynne Rhoda of Portage and three grandchildren, Jacqueline Jean Rhoda, Jared Richard Osborne and Christopher William Sievers.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Bryan Rhoda in 1976 and two brothers, Louis and Roy Rhoda.

Gene graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1954. He had served 25 years in the Shipping Office at Midwest Steel where he retired in 1994 and had been a professional bowler traveling with the PBA from 1964-67 and won four national titles during that span.

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Friday with funeral service at 6 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. Cremation will follow at Angelcrest Crematory.

Memorials may be made to the American Liver Association.

Posted 11/2/2005