- Born on: July 7, 1961
- Departed on: April 1, 2025
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Eugene Robert Fahey
Eugene Robert “Gene” Fahey, 63, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A proud veteran, devoted family man, and friend to many, Gene’s life was marked by service, humility, and love for his home state of Iowa.
Born on July 7, 1961, in Clarinda Iowa, Gene grew up surrounded by rolling farmland and a close knit community that would remain dear to him throughout his life. He pursued his education at Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda where he chose the Mechanical Technology program, laying the foundation for a career defined by skill and dedication.
Gene loved farming and in his younger days helped his uncle Jim McAlpin farm. He was later employed with the Mellencamp farming operation in Clarinda before deciding to join the military. Gene served honorably in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring in 2006. Throughout his service, Gene remained steadfast in his commitment to his country while maintaining a quiet humility about his accomplishments. After retiring Gene and his family returned home to Iowa in 2007 to be nearer to family and they settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He resumed civilian life employed with Archer Daniels Midland in Cedar Rapids during his last 10 working years. There Gene found not only meaningful work but also camaraderie and friendship with his co-workers which he enjoyed. Gene had a special friend in former co-worker Tom Hoslinger, with whom he shared common interests of farming, old tractors, and gardening.
Gene was known for his easy-going nature, and the many acts of random kindness shown to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. He embodied generosity and warmth in both word and deed. His pleasant nature, infectious smile, and calm presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. He was a Green Bay Packer fan through both good times and bad.
Gene especially enjoyed becoming a grandpa and the time spent with his four grandchildren.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Rebecca (Short) Fahey of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Emma (Brennan) Rawson, Rowley, IA; step-daughter Heather (Mark) Zlatek, Papillon, NE, grandsons Oliver and Cooper Zlatek, granddaughters Hannah and Hallie Rawson; siblings Mary (Fahey) Grebert, Paul (Delinda) Fahey, Kevin Fahey, and Kathy (Fahey) Briggs, all of Clarinda, Iowa; and Mike (Shelley) Fahey, Windsor, CO, Pat (Nancy) Fahey, Crooked River Ranch, OR, and Teena (Dwight) Wagoner, Columbus, NE. Gene is also survived by his Uncle Jim (Laveda) McApin, and cousins Dixie McAlpin and Jan McAlpin, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends, and other associates who were also touched by his life.
Gene was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his parents, Francis Fahey and Elnora (Fahey) Williams, brother Kris Fahey, cousin Russell McAlpin, and father-in-law Fred Short. Gene grew up in the Catholic faith, having attended St. Clare's Catholic Church in Clarinda, Iowa. His faith guided him firmly but quietly throughout life’s journey.
A private family graveside service will be held at Memory Cemetery, Clarinda; with a Celebration of Life taking place in Clarinda, Iowa June 21st. Suggested memorials include St. Claire’s Catholic Church in Clarinda, IA, or the Willis Dady Homeless Shelter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
May Gene’s memory bring peace and comfort to all who knew him.
Born on July 7, 1961, in Clarinda Iowa, Gene grew up surrounded by rolling farmland and a close knit community that would remain dear to him throughout his life. He pursued his education at Iowa Western Community College in Clarinda where he chose the Mechanical Technology program, laying the foundation for a career defined by skill and dedication.
Gene loved farming and in his younger days helped his uncle Jim McAlpin farm. He was later employed with the Mellencamp farming operation in Clarinda before deciding to join the military. Gene served honorably in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring in 2006. Throughout his service, Gene remained steadfast in his commitment to his country while maintaining a quiet humility about his accomplishments. After retiring Gene and his family returned home to Iowa in 2007 to be nearer to family and they settled in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He resumed civilian life employed with Archer Daniels Midland in Cedar Rapids during his last 10 working years. There Gene found not only meaningful work but also camaraderie and friendship with his co-workers which he enjoyed. Gene had a special friend in former co-worker Tom Hoslinger, with whom he shared common interests of farming, old tractors, and gardening.
Gene was known for his easy-going nature, and the many acts of random kindness shown to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. He embodied generosity and warmth in both word and deed. His pleasant nature, infectious smile, and calm presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. He was a Green Bay Packer fan through both good times and bad.
Gene especially enjoyed becoming a grandpa and the time spent with his four grandchildren.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Rebecca (Short) Fahey of Cedar Rapids, IA; daughter Emma (Brennan) Rawson, Rowley, IA; step-daughter Heather (Mark) Zlatek, Papillon, NE, grandsons Oliver and Cooper Zlatek, granddaughters Hannah and Hallie Rawson; siblings Mary (Fahey) Grebert, Paul (Delinda) Fahey, Kevin Fahey, and Kathy (Fahey) Briggs, all of Clarinda, Iowa; and Mike (Shelley) Fahey, Windsor, CO, Pat (Nancy) Fahey, Crooked River Ranch, OR, and Teena (Dwight) Wagoner, Columbus, NE. Gene is also survived by his Uncle Jim (Laveda) McApin, and cousins Dixie McAlpin and Jan McAlpin, as well as many nieces and nephews, friends, and other associates who were also touched by his life.
Gene was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, his parents, Francis Fahey and Elnora (Fahey) Williams, brother Kris Fahey, cousin Russell McAlpin, and father-in-law Fred Short. Gene grew up in the Catholic faith, having attended St. Clare's Catholic Church in Clarinda, Iowa. His faith guided him firmly but quietly throughout life’s journey.
A private family graveside service will be held at Memory Cemetery, Clarinda; with a Celebration of Life taking place in Clarinda, Iowa June 21st. Suggested memorials include St. Claire’s Catholic Church in Clarinda, IA, or the Willis Dady Homeless Shelter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
May Gene’s memory bring peace and comfort to all who knew him.
