Eugene "Gene" F. Grabs was born September 17, 1935, in Zenda, Kansas, to Frederick "Fritz" and Mary (Lichter) Grabs. Gene married Gertrude Steinbacher on June 17, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan.  The couple were blessed with four children: Nikki, Greg, Lori, and Brad.

Gene attended the one-room Fox School in rural Harper County and graduated as valedictorian at age 16.  He graduated from Kansas State University where he was president of his fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega.  After college, Gene served in the Army and National Guard, where he was promoted to sergeant.  Gene was a beloved Chemistry and Physics teacher at Attica High School, Pratt Community College, and St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City.  In his third year teaching at Attica High School, he was one of only 13 in the US chosen to attend the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies in Tennessee.  Gene went on to earn a Master's Degree at Arizona State in Tempe.

Upon his father's decline and passing in 1969, Gene returned to run the family farm near Zenda for 39 years, while continuing to teach and picking up accounting classes at night.  He became a Public Accountant while still farming.  Gene joined forces with Nancy and Berkley Conn to form the Conn-Grabs Agency in Harper for several years.  In 1976, Gene and Gert purchased the Babcock Agency in Harper and renamed it Grabs Agency.  Gene and Gert worked together until his death, providing tax and accounting services, and previously savings and loan services, and real estate services.  Gene managed the Rural Water District for many years and was instrumental in coordinating the windfarms in Harper County.

Some of Gene's many accomplishments during these years include being President of Harper County Teachers Association, serving as Director of Adult Education for USD 361, starting the local Young Farmers Association, and launching Farm Business Analysis Night Schools.  He was awarded the State Young Farmers Award.  He also served as President of the Harper County Fair Board and the Harper County Extension Board.

Gene's biggest lifetime accomplishment was the legacy he left for his family.  He exemplified resilience, courage, work ethic, service to others, and compassion.  He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and his brilliant mind, where he seamlessly reconciled intricate scientific knowledge with a deep faith.

At the age of 84, Gene passed away at his home in Harper, Kansas on July 1, 2020, surrounded by a family who deeply loved him.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary.  Gene is survived by his wife, Gertrude of the home; children: Nikki Herrmann and her husband, Tim Paul of Mansfield, Texas, Greg Grabs and his wife, Jane of Bismarck, North Dakota, Lori Wood and her husband, Dell of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Brad Grabs and his wife, Dawn of Kansas City, Kansas; grandchildren: Jarrid (Patrice) Herrmann, Brandon (Katie) Herrmann, Drew (Pamela) Herrmann, Jason Feist, Melissa Feist, Nicole Lewis, Emily (James) Snow, Joel Wood, Maggie Wood, John Grabs, Emmanuel Grabs, Frances Grabs, Luis Amiel, Christopher Amiel, and Jonathan Amiel; great-grandchildren: Jason Feist, Jr., Cambrie Feist, Mia Peterson, Nora Peterson, and Charlee Herrmann; sister, Lucille Coleman of Yuba City, California; other family members and many friends.

Visitation is 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Due to COVID-19, a private family graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 4, 2020 at the Harper Cemetery with Father Bob Pinninti officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Gene to The Learning Club of KCK and can be sent in care of the funeral home.  Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058.