Arthur Eugene “Gene” Lore, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska, after a short illness.
He was born April 30, 1941, to Lyle Wesley and Esther Loretta (Ryan) Lore. Gene grew up on the family farm and ranch west of Alliance, Nebraska, where he developed a lifelong love and appreciation for the land, farming, ranching, and animals. The wide-open spaces, hard work, and rural way of life were a big part of who Gene was and remained close to his heart throughout his life. He attended Alliance High School and later earned his GED in 1976.
Much of Gene’s life was spent farming alongside his brother, Dennis, and father, Lyle, on the family farm and ranch. He loved the land and the lifestyle that came with it. Whether tending to the land, caring for animals, or working outdoors, Gene found great satisfaction in being connected to the earth. His love of the outdoors and rural life never faded nor did the love of his home.
Gene later began his career as a motor grader operator for Box Butte County. He took great pride in having his roads as perfect as possible and was a good instructor and mentor to new employees. He retired from the county in 2003.
Gene and Todd Harris also worked faithfully together every day at the Mission Store for almost 20 years. He wasn't afraid to get down and dirty sorting through the many donations the store received, and he enjoyed the friendships and conversations that came along with the work.
In 1989, Gene married Susan Saum Hansen. Their blended family included Shawn Lore Klein, Tim Hansen, and Carolyn Hansen Cline. Gene and Susan continued to live on the home place where Gene grew up, west of Alliance, keeping him connected to the land and the place he loved.
Gene loved being outdoors and could spend hours working on woodworking projects. He had a special appreciation for nature, animals, and the simple pleasures of country living. He also had a love for guns and enjoyed anything that involved them. As his eyesight worsened, he still managed to tend to his yard and raised garden beds, finding satisfaction in staying busy and taking care of his home.
Gene had a personality of all his own. Some affectionately described him as “Mr. Grumpy,” but those who knew him understood that beneath that gruff exterior was a man with a huge heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved bantering with people, giving them a hard time in good fun, sharing a laugh, and making others laugh along with him. He never missed an opportunity for a little teasing or a good comeback. His humor, quick wit, and unmistakable personality made him someone people won't soon forget.
Above all, Gene deeply loved his family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren meant the world to him. He was their biggest cheerleader and encourager, always proud of their accomplishments, both big and small. He took great joy in seeing his family succeed and was genuinely happy to celebrate their milestones and achievements. He believed in them, supported them, and never missed an opportunity to let them know how proud he was. Whether sharing stories, offering encouragement, exchanging a little good-natured teasing or simply spending time together, Gene treasured his family. Beneath his sometimes-gruff exterior was a heart overflowing with love, and his family never had to wonder how much they meant to him.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Saum Lore; daughter, Shawn (Dan) Klein, Laramie WY; step-daughter, Carolyn (fiancé Dr. David Lindley) Cline, North Platte, NE; and step-son, Tim (Melissa) Hansen, Arvada, CO; and his brother-in-law, Mark Saum, Alliance. Gene was blessed with five grandchildren: KaCee (Remington) Bailey of Riverton, Wyoming; Jeffrey (Shelby) Bradley of Riverton, Wyoming; Kaitlin (Blake) Sanderson of Surprise, Arizona; and Henry and Ilsa Cline of North Platte, Nebraska. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Ryan, Remington, and Ava Bailey; Quoy Gene, Kahli, Broady, and Zorei Bradley; and Crew and Shay Sanderson. Gene is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his five siblings, Alberta Adamson, Roy Green, James P. Green, John L. Green, and Dennis Lore; nephew Kevin Lore; his in-laws, Bill and Opal Saum; son-in-law, Eldie Cline; sister-in-law Bunny Saum; and nephews Kenny and Denny Stark.
Gene will be remembered for his love of family, his deep connection to the land, his years of farming and ranching, his love of animals and the outdoors, his quick wit, playful bantering, and ability to make people laugh. His whistling, humming, and unmistakable “Papa-isms” will be deeply missed. The memories, laughter, stories, and lessons he leaves behind will be treasured by all who know him.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Father Steve Meysing will officiate. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Alliance Rural Fire District, 315 Laramie, Alliance Nebraska, 69301; PAWS, P.O. Box 117, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301; or St. Matthew’s Church, P.O. Box 430, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.