S. Gene Niebel

S. Gene Niebel, 80, of Shelbyville passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Franciscan Health in Indianapolis. He was born April 1, 1941, in Shelbyville, the son of Sumner Niebel and Mildred (Mohr) Niebel McDonald. On June 7, 1986, he married Kathy Gunning, and she preceded him in death on October 12, 2002. Gene is survived by his son, Curtis Niebel and wife, Stefanie, of Edinburgh; daughters, Karen Smith and husband, Lindel, of Shelbyville, and Beth Holmes of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Zachary Niebel and wife, Sonja, Brittany Zimny and husband, Kevin, Lindel Smith II and girlfriend, Olivia, Joshua Burgess, Max Burgess, Jeffrey Burgess, Kathrine Holmes, and Ashley Pease and fiance’ Josh Givens; great-grandchildren, Cameron Zimny, Jordan Zimny, Logan Zimny, Ava Pease and two on the way, Lindel Thomas Smith III and Bennett Givens; special friends, Carole Bashore and Libby Hudson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Kathy, Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Glen A. Niebel. Gene graduated in 1959 from Shelbyville High School, and attended Indiana Business College. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard and Air Reserves. Gene was a member of First Christian Church. He was a farmer for 20 years, both agriculture and raising hogs. Gene was a drummer in several bands over the years. He was an avid golfer and race fan. Gene was a former member of the United Midget Racing Team. He had enjoyed fishing, as a pastime. Gene was also a maple syrup enthusiast. He was an incredible baker and cook. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, August 5, 2021 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 118 W. Washington St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176 or Cancer Association of Shelby County, PO Box 844, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Gene’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.