Wilbert Eugene Zeiler “Gene”

Wilbert Eugene Zeiler "Gene," 87, of Billings, passed away on June 29, 2018, at home while sleeping in his favorite chair.

He was born on Aug. 9, 1930, to Jacob and Elizabeth (Bernhardt) Zeiler. He was raised on a farm in Billings along with nine siblings. Gene was married to Helen M. Brautigan until their divorce in 1971.

Gene owned a farm west of Billings where he worked hard and enjoyed hunting pheasants. He sold his farm, moved to town, worked for Coca-Cola and Lindsey Soft Water, and began investing in rental property. Later, he worked for 22 years as a meat cutter at Pierce Packing until the company closed. He retired at the age of 52 and filled his time with managing his commercial and residential rentals. He had many construction skills like painting, plumbing and concrete masonry, which were put to good use with his many rentals.

Gene was a man of few words. He was independent, strong and stubborn; the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree and so are his children. He enjoyed looking at his beautiful roses while sitting on his patio. We love him and miss him.

He is survived by his two children, Connie (Fred) Goodman of Spokane, Washington, and Greg (Patti) Zeiler of Red Lodge; four grandchildren, Suzanne Goodman, Angie Zeiler, Ben Goodman and David Zeiler; one great-grandchild, Addison Zeiler and one step-grandchild, Elijah Brown.

Memorial service is pending for later this summer. Michelotti-Sawyers is assisting with arrangements.