Gene E. Osborn

Gene E. Osborn

Brooklyn

Gene E. Osborn, 97, of Brooklyn, IA, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Brookhaven Community Estates in Brooklyn.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Gathering with luncheon will follow at the Michael J. Manatt Center, in Brooklyn from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial designations may be designated to the Brooklyn American Legion Post #294. Memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Gene was born on February 5, 1928, in Malcom, IA to Gordon and Fernne Rector Osborn. He was raised on his family farm near Brooklyn, IA and graduated from Brooklyn High School in 1946.

Gene served his country by enlisting in the United States Army, in 1950, during the Korean War. He served honorably, earning a Korean Service Medal along with three bronze stars for his bravery before being released to the Army reserves.

Following his military service, Gene returned to his roots in Brooklyn. He continued farming part time and began a successful 30-plus year career at Donaldson Manufacturing, starting as a spot welder and later a material handler and forklift driver.

Gene was first married to Joyce Hall, and they had one son, Michael. On July 11, 1975, he married Betty McGarry, his lifelong love. Together they blended their families, and Gene warmly embraced Betty’s children, Teresa, Joseph, and Kathy, as his own

A passionate sports fan, Gene was deeply loyal to the Iowa Hawkeyes and a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers supporter, celebrating their latest World Series win with joy. Gene had friendly rivalries with Dean and Cutter during baseball season, he enjoyed working the ticket booth at Iowa games, and following the Murty Racing Team. He also loved hunting trips and spending time at his cabin in Missouri.

Beyond sports, Gene had a notable sweet tooth, with a particular fondness for ice cream, often humorously requesting dessert before dinner. He and Betty shared many adventures together, from trips to California to short drives to the Meskwaki Casino.

Above all, Gene cherished his family and friends. He loved time spent on the farm, attending his grandchildren’s events, and sharing coffee and stories at Brooklyn Grocery. He will be remembered for his humor, warmth, and unwavering love for those around him.

He is survived by his son, Michael (Patti) Osborn of Belle Plaine, IA; daughters, Teresa Flack, and Kathy (Hank VanErsvelde) Hauersperger of Brooklyn, IA; five grandchildren, Robert (Amanda) Flack, Jon Osborn, Crystal (Roger) Belcher, John Hauersperger, and Kevin Hauersperger; 17 great-grandchildren, Kodie Flack, Malea (Trey) Mobley, Paris (Derek) Maxfield, Jaelyn Flack, Billy Flack, Sophie Patterson, Sawyer Osborn, Vivian Osborn, Henry Osborn, Rylee Belcher, Adelyn Belcher, Garrett Hauersperger, Miranda Hauersperger, and Payton Hauersperger, Damon (Dawn) Murty, Dallon Murty, Dana Murty; one great-granddaughter, Iris Mobley, one sister Karel Shults, and lifelong friend Don Brannian.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Betty Osborn; son, Jospeh McGarry; grandson, Gabe Hauersperger; and siblings, Keith Osborn, Neal Osborn, Lucille Erickson, and Blythe Johnson.

The family of Gene Osborn would like to thank Brookhaven Community Estates and all their staff. You are all wonderful.