Eugene Diego Pena, age 92, passed away on the morning of January 19, 2021 at his home in Vida, MT. Gene lived in Vida with his family for the last 23 years.
Gene was born in Chicago, IL to Diego and Nadine Pena on November 28, 1928. He had three brothers including his older brother Lawrence, and younger brothers Carl and Victor. Gene spent his youth in Savage, MT, and later moved back to Chicago where he attended high school. Gene was a veteran of the army and worked various jobs including truck driving, and construction. He would later become a mechanic, and owned his own trucking company in Billings, MT. He later served as Chief of Police in Terry, MT, served as Under Sheriff of Prairie County, and was a private investigator in Montana, and Nevada.
Gene has been married to Dianna Herbster for 49 years. They have a daughter Gina, and a son David.
Gene was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Anne’s Community church in Vida. He was very proud to be a member of The Knights of Columbus and was honored to serve time as a Grand Knight. He remained very active in the church throughout his life.
Throughout his life Gene had many interests including hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. Gene enjoyed walking and usually was accompanied by one of his dogs, including a German Shepherd named Dutchess who was his favorite. He enjoyed watching sports with his family, and was especially a fan of boxing.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and his three brothers. He is survived by his wife Dianna, his daughter Gina Pena, and his son David Pena. He also has many nieces, nephews, and close friends and neighbors.