Gilbert "Gene" Eugene Yost

Gilbert "Gene" Yost November 26, 1924 - March 10, 2021 East Wenatchee, Washington Gilbert "Gene" Yost - loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and devoted child of God- passed on to heaven on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old. Gene was born in Lewistown, Montana on November 26, 1924, to Charles and Emma Yost, as the fourth of their five children. Gene graduated from Fergus High School and attended college at the University of Washington and the University of Montana before joining the Navy in 1943. Gene served our country during World War II as an Aviation Machinist's Mate until his honorable discharged in 1946. After the war, Gene completed his degree in Agricultural Engineering at Montana State University. He moved back to Lewistown to work in the family blacksmith business, and it was there that he met his wife, Cleo. Cleo was a waitress at the local diner and they struck up a friendship over a mutual love of dancing the jitterbug, which quickly developed into a love for each other. Gene and Cleo were married in 1952. Gene and Cleo were blessed with five children. Gene's career with the USDA took the family from Montana, to North Dakota, Florida and finally to Wenatchee Washington, where he made strong contributions to the fruit industry at the Tree Fruit Research Center. Gene was committed to community service and was an active member of the local Lion's Club, the VFW and American Legion. He was also a SHIBA Volunteer. Faith and family were his hallmarks. Gene was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church for almost 50 years. He was active in the church, serving as an elder of the congregation as well as chairman of various boards. He served as a church representative at regional and state meetings and was a faithful member of the men's bible study group. Gene will be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with complete strangers and for his wit. Gene was full of fun stories of his youthful escapades and often laughed at his own jokes and funny songs. His cheery smile will be missed and his witness to a life well-lived through faith in Christ will be treasured. Gene's love of his family was felt by every single member of his immediate as well as extended family. He leaves behind many friends in the community. Gene is survived by his children, Robert Yost (Ann Grundy), Lynda (Aaron) Malone, Kathy (Dan) Richmond, Gail (Scott) Kabrich and Carol (Herb) Diede: his seventeen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Grace Zimbrick, Gladys Wohler, Charles Yost and Robert (Bud) Yost; and his granddaughter Jennifer Yost. A funeral to celebrate Gene's life is rescheduled for April due to an unexpected illness (service will take place at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Wenatchee Washington). Condolences can be sent to PO Box 1806 Wenatchee WA 98807. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran School.