Eugene (Gene) Doyle, age 87, of Bettendorf, passed away May 31, 2026, at StoryPoint Senior Living. Per his wishes, the rite of cremation will be accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on July 22, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Visitation will be an hour prior. A luncheon at the Outing Club will follow the service. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family.
Gene was born on July 20, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, to Patrick and Vera Doyle. He grew up on the family farm in rural Scott County and was educated in a one room schoolhouse through 8th grade. He attended the Saint Ambrose Academy (precursor to Assumption High School), graduating in 1956. He served in the National Guard. On June 11, 1960, he was united in marriage to Sondra (Egger) Doyle at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Bettendorf. They were married for 59 years until Sondra passed in 2020. They raised two children in the house where Gene lived for over 60 years.
Gene showed his love through action. He would get up every morning with his son, Shea, to help with his paper route. He was always there to lend a hand to friends, family and neighbors. When Gene moved to StoryPoint, he found a new community and reconnected with previous acquaintances. He quickly made new friends wherever he went.
When Gene’s grandchild, Julia, lived in Bettendorf, he always looked forward to their shared culinary tours of various restaurants for lunch and dinner. He kept a special framed drawing created by his other grandchild, Sam, taking it whenever he moved.
Gene was employed by Bituminous Insurance Company in Rock Island for over 40 years. He retired as manager of purchasing and facilities in 2001. Until recently, he still attended the monthly Breakfast Club of former coworkers.
Gene loved to walk outside. He would rise early and walk the bike paths of Bettendorf. He also loved telling a good joke just to see you smile.
Those left to honor his memory are his daughter Leigh (Tim) Appleton of LaFayette, Ill.; son Shea (Hannah Morrell) of Bettendorf; grandchildren Julia Appleton of Galesburg, Ill. and Sam Appleton of LaFayette.
Gene had a close bond with his five siblings: John (Charlotte) Doyle, Patricia Panther, Colleen (Tom) Pohlman, Valera (Joe) Sovcik and Mike Doyle.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sondra, and parents.
Leigh and Shea would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary staff at StoryPoint Senior Living, Heartland Hospice, and Visiting Angels for the care, kindness and compassion shown to their father over the last two years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of Bettendorf Parks and Recreation.
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