Gene A. Paisley, 72, of Rickardsville, IA passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, IA.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am, Saturday, June 2, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rickardsville. Family will greet friends 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, June 1, 2018 at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home 3860 Asbury Rd. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Rickardsville.

Gene was born July 1, 1945 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John “Arnie” and Thelma (Rieselman) Paisley. He graduated from Leo High School in Holy Cross, Iowa. After high school, Gene graduated from UW-Platteville. During this time, he also earned his private pilot’s license. Flying became one of his favorite hobbies. Gene married Paula O’Rourke on May 8, 1971 at St Mary’s Church in Dubuque.

Gene’s love of trucks started at a young age. He was able to see his childhood dream of owning a semi come to fruition in 1978 as he and Paula started Paisley Trucking, Inc. Through hard work and dedication they were able to grow the company until his retirement in 2004.

Upon retiring, Gene spent much of his time on his childhood farm outside of Rickardsville and enjoying the company of his 9 grandchildren. Though the farm kept him busy, he was never too busy to take a grandkid for a tractor or gator ride.

Throughout his life, Gene was able to build a great marriage, raise four kids that adore him, run a successful company, teach his grandkids to love anything with wheels, surround himself with friends, and show the world you really can be happy every day.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Paula; his favorite daughters, Jennifer (T.J.) Bryant, Kim (Wayne) McDermott, Angie (Brett) Crosby; his favorite son, Jonathan (Jill) Paisley; and 9 grandchildren, Paisley, Katrina, Lexi, Alisha, Cole, Wyatt, Gavin, Owen, Theo.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Judy; and his mother and father in-law, Jeanne and Jim O’Rourke.

A special thank you to all the staff at the U of I Hospital and Clinics Burn Unit and the Sherrill Fire Department during this time.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hskfh.com