Gene Brummel

Melvin Eugene Brummel was born November 12, 1950, to Melvin C. and Ruth (Van Dyk) Brummel in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He passed away on September 23, 2022, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.  Gene grew up in Leighton, Iowa, graduated from Pella Community High School in 1968, and attended Grandview College.

On September 12, 1970, he was united in marriage to Joan Mousel, in Nevada, Iowa. To this union they were blessed with three sons: Scott, Tim, and Jeff.

Gene worked for Brummel Brothers in the feed and grain business for 38 years. Later, he worked at Madison Elementary School as a custodian from 2008-2018, when he retired. Gene loved the kids at Madison and they lovingly referred to him as “Mr. Gene.” Gene was a member of the Ebenezer Reformed Church where he served as an elder, deacon, and loved playing in the bell choir. 

Gene was happiest when he was watching ball games (especially if his grandkids were playing), coaching little league, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes, going to the river to fish, and hanging out with his dogs Milo and Tatie.  Gene was a lover of all card games, whether with his grandkids or Friday night pitch games at his Mom’s, and was usually declared the winner (though his family might tell you that he was the *best* cheater to get those wins).  His grandkids were so special to Gene and he could always be found cheering them on, playing games with them, having tea parties, making funny videos, singing to them, or showing off his stellar dance moves for them.  He loved listening to (and singing) hymns, especially by the Gaithers, and he will always be known for being a master at cooking up “The Special”. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Joan and their children:

Scott Brummel and Cassie Applegate-Brummel

Tim and Sara Brummel

     Hilary and Sonny Swank

     Dylan Brummel

     Treyton Sturgeon

     C.J. Smith

Jeff and Kristi Brummel

     Ava Brummel

     Dawson Brummel 

He is also survived by his mother Ruth and his brothers: John (Robyn) Brummel of Leighton, Jim (Nancy) Brummel of Omaha, Nebraska, Jerry (Rhonda) Brummel of Pella, Joe (Diana) Brummel of Pella, and Jay (Vickie) Brummel of Reeds Spring, Missouri, brother-in-law Duane (Linda) Mousel of Nevada, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 

Gene was preceded in death by his father Melvin Brummel, his nephews: Taylor Brummel and Joey Brummel, and brother-in-law Paul (Pat) Mousel. 

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