Gene Pena

Gene Pena, 92, of Vida died Jan. 19, 2021, at his home in Vida. He lived in Vida with his family for the last 23 years.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., to Diego and Nadine Pena on Nov. 28, 1928. He had three brothers, including his older brother Lawrence and younger brothers Carl and Victor. He spent his youth in Savage and later moved back to Chicago, where he attended high school.

He 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. He later served as chief of police in Terry, served as undersheriff of Prairie County and was a private investigator in Montana and Nevada.

He has been married to Dianna Herbster for 49 years. They have a daughter, Gina, and a son, David.

He 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, he had many interests including hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He 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.

He was preceded in death by his three brothers.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna; daughter, Gina Pena; and son, David Pena.

Services have not been scheduled. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.