Eugene E. Gnagy

Eugene Edward Gnagy passed away in Wenatchee, WA, on February 22, 2018, at Blossom Creek Memory Care. He was born in a farmhouse near Dysart, IA, on August 13, 1920, and grew up in several small communities in Missouri and Iowa. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Faye Howe, in March of 1942, shortly before taking his first pastorship in the Church of the Brethren in Arrowwood, Alberta, Canada. Over the years, they served Brethren congregations in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, and Kansas. Eugene was also an educator and served in various school districts as a teacher and principal. In 1965, they moved to Wenatchee with four of their seven children, when Eugene became pastor of the city congregation of the Church of the Brethren, until 1970. Eugene taught math at Pioneer Junior High School and Orchard Junior High School from 1970 to 1985. Eugene, or "Gene" as his friends called him, devoted much of his free time to being industrious. He and his wife were active members of the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren from 1970 until recently. He often lead the hymn, singing with his full baritone voice. He served as interim pastor to nearby Brethren congregations. Gene loved to tinker in his workshop. He and Virginia had vegetable gardens in many of the places they lived. He bought and cared for a small apple orchard next to their "ranch" in Sunnyslope. After moving to "town", he stayed active riding his bike. He joined one of his neighbors for rides along the Riverfront Trail when it was first developed. In later years, Gene could often be seen riding his trike- bike around the Twin Peaks neighborhood, where he was known as the Red Baron because of his bright red biking shirt. Eugene was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; and by his daughters: Becki Harrison and Janet Gnagy. He is survived by his children: Sandra Sword, Mike Gnagy, and Beth Holstrom (Nick), all of Wenatchee, WA, Donna Schupp (Ted) of Wichita, KS, and Martha Rogers (Darrell) of San Diego, CA; also 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service to celebrate his good and full life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sunnyslope Church, 3330 School St., Wenatchee, WA, 98801. Arrangements are assisted by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.

Eugene E. Gnagy

August 13, 1920 - February 22, 2018