Gene Sheldon Ganstrom, age 94, left this life for his eternal home on May 31, 2024, at Sunset Home, Concordia. He was born on January 30, 1930, to Stanley and Olga (Landen) Ganstrom and grew up on a farm northeast of Concordia in the Gotland community. Gene attended Gotland School before graduating from Concordia High School in 1948. He married Pearl Johnson on August 23, 1951, at The Baptist Church in Concordia and they remained in the community their entire lives.
Gene and his lifelong friend Dean Johnston were partners for 35 years in Ganstrom and Johnston Contractors and Builders, developing a reputation as the preeminent home builders in the area. Upon his “retirement “from the construction business, Gene worked for an additional 22 years as Special Projects Leader for Nazareth Convent and Academy where he hand-crafted many beautiful renovations to the Sisters’ historic properties. He was also proud to serve his country in the National Guard for 8 years.
Gene was active in The Baptist Church his entire life, a faithful member who served in various leadership positions including Deacon. He was also a member of the Sunset Home Board of Directors for a number of years. Gene and Pearl enjoyed a lifetime of following the activities of their children and grandchildren, attending CCCC and CHS basketball games, and exploring the US (all 50 states) by car or on bus tours. The highlight of their travels was a journey to Gotland, Sweden, the home of their ancestors.
Gene is survived by his son, Sheldon (Linda), of Hays, his daughter Kathryn (Doug), of Concordia; five grandchildren: Jenny (Shawn) Sullivan of Topeka, Landen (Danielle) Ganstrom of Charleston, SC, Alissa (Ben) Smith, of Olathe, Tiara (Ryan) Gottschalk of Hays, Russell Herman of Wichita; 21 great-grandchildren: Drew, Grace, Brooke, and Claire Sullivan; Lilli, Luna, and Penelope Ganstrom; Gavin, Ella, and Liam Smith; Lexi Coffey, Katelyn and Nolan Gottschalk; and Brianna, Kyren, Taegan, Raegan, Rylee, Treysen, Tyus, and Tobin Herman and two great-great-granddaughters: Elsie Hines and Hudsyn Coffey.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Pearl and four brothers: Donald and wife, Verna; George and wife, Louise, Landen (age 8) and Gerald (infant).
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Friday, June 7th at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. A celebration of life service will be held at The Baptist Church in Concordia at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 with Pastor Tim Miller officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #76 and V.F.W. Post #588 at The Baptist Church. Immediately following the services at The Baptist Church the family will greet family friends.
A private, family burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery will precede the funeral. Memorial contributions may be made to The Baptist Church or Sunset Home, Inc. of Concordia and left in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com
