A Funeral Mass for Gene Hostert, age 90, of Butte, Nebraska will be 10:00 am Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Butte, Nebraska with Fr. Ross Burkhalter officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Butte.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the church with a Parish Rosary at 7:00 pm.  Gene passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Parkside Manor in Stuart after a short battle with cancer.  Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer.

Eugene Leo Hostert was born June 6 1936 to Nicholas and Theresia (Hahn) Hostert in Butte, Nebraska.  He was the fourth of six brothers.  Gene attended Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School through 8th grade and was the first of his family to graduate from Butte High School.

After graduation Gene took a job at a manufacturing plant in Columbus, NE.  He soon discovered city life was not for him and he returned to the family farm.  He worked for local farmers, the Butte Livestock Market, and in 1963 started farming on his own.  He was never one to shy away from hard work as he milked cows for many years as he grew his operation.

While attending his brother Len's wedding in 1964 he met Ruth Helmberger.  They were married in Omaha on April 24, 1965.  To this union three children were born.  Christy, Nick, and Kevin.  Through lots of hard work, they were able to rent and later purchase land.  Hard work, honesty, and prayer were constants in Gene's life.  He was happiest working the land, especially when the rains cooperated.

Gene and Ruth shared many common interests and a deep faith.  For Christmas in 1964, Ruth gave Gene a rosary for Christmas.  Gene has helped lead the rosary at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic church with the same rosary Ruth gave him, continuing to find ways to honor Ruth and help out his church.  Gene was a life-long Catholic who took his faith very seriously.  Gene and Ruth were regulars at daily mass.  When this was no longer an option Gene continued to watch and pray the rosary on television.  This would be about the only reason the television would come on prior to 5 pm as he preferred to listen to the radio.

Gene and Ruth enjoyed attending family functions whenever possible.  They also hosted many family gatherings over the years.  They had a way of making everyone feel welcome and appreciated.  Milking cows and taking care of the farm limited travel at times but they did not need to as many relatives made their way to Butte each year to see them.  Gene was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the St. Peter & Paul parish council and served on the Butte Public School board of education for 16 years.  He enjoyed many simple things in life.  A good cup of coffee, card games, farm life, and taking care of his family.  He farmed from 1963 to 2020 and was still active until his passing.  His hard work, perseverance, integrity, and ability to do what it takes helped him to survive the ups and downs of farm life.  Quite simply put he was a good man.

Gene is survived by one daughter, Christy Nielsen (Chris) of Maywood, NE, son Nick (Kathy) of O'Neill, NE and son Kevin (Jennifer) of Aurora, NE.  Grandchildren: (Christy's) Phillip, Steve, Joey (Tyler), Carol (Matt), and Adam (Nick's) Heidi (Jon), Derrick (Tara), Tyson (McKenzie) (Kevin's) Blaine (Kendra) and Morgan (Grant); and 13 great grandchildren.  Gene was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed the visits with them.  Gene also leaves behind two brothers Lou (Audrey) Hostert of Omaha, Joe (MaryJo) Hostert of Butte, Sisters-in-law Jan Hostert, Erma Helmberger, and Joanne Helmberger as well as over 50 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his parents Nic & Thersia Hostert and brothers Hank (Jackie), Len (Norma), and Paul Hostert.