Eugene "Gene" W. Sombke

October 7, 1935 - May 7, 2022

Eugene (Gene) Warren Sombke, 86, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2022. He was born on October 7, 1935, in Ferney, South Dakota, to the late Clarence and Flora (Erdmann) Sombke. Gene was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School and Concordia University in Steward, Nebraska. He taught at Trinity Lutheran School for nine years and in Indianapolis Public Schools for 40 years. Gene married Marcia Sue Hoff on June 16, 1962. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Gene led Bible studies and volunteered at Sonrise Camp for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He participated in ten mission trips with Faith Ministry, building houses in Reynoso, Mexico. Gene enjoyed fishing and camping -- where he loved making donuts and telling stories. His children and grandchildren loved sitting around the campfire listening to him tell the story of Pee-Wee from the book Caddie Woodlawn. Gene was a true servant of Christ, being faithful to God and his family. We have been truly blessed to have him as an example to follow. We will miss him but look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. Visitation will be Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Friday, May 13, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 8540 E. 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46219. Gene was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marcia, their five children, Kim (Mark) Fangman, Pam (Mike) Booher, Lisa (Ron) Schumacher, Mary (Joe) Carlin, and Michael Sombke, 24 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother, Harlowe Sombke, sisters Deloris Sombke, Janise Mahon, Norma Wacholz, Beverly Hite, Bette Martin, and sister-in-law, Esperanza Sombke. He is preceded in death by his brother, James Sombke, brothers-in-law Butch Mahon, Marlin Wacholz, Larry Hite, and Rueben Martin, and sister-in-law, Myrtle Sombke. Memorial gifts can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, designated for the church or the Friendship Bible study or they can also be sent to Faith Ministry at faithministry.org.