Eugene M. Ksepka's Obituary
Weslaco – Eugene M. Ksepka, 94, passed away on June 18, 2026.
Gene was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. In 1951, less than a month before enlisting in the United States Air Force, he met Audrey, the woman who would become his wife. They spent every moment together that they could before Gene departed for military service.
Following Basic Training, Gene completed Aircraft Mechanic School and advanced training in hydraulic systems for the new generation of jet aircraft. He was then assigned to Korea. Upon returning to the United States, he stopped to ask Audrey’s father for permission to marry his daughter. After receiving his blessing, Gene proposed to Audrey and promised to “show her the world.”
In 1953, Gene and Audrey were married in Chicago and moved to Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts. There, Gene was immediately promoted and spent the next two years working on cargo aircraft. When his enlistment ended in March 1955, the couple moved to California to be near Audrey’s family and begin raising a family of their own. Gene enrolled in college and accepted a civilian position working on C-54 aircraft. However, in 1956, he re-enlisted in the Air Force and continued the military career he loved.
During his distinguished 30-year military career, Gene and his family lived in Michigan and Germany and served at numerous locations throughout the United States and overseas. He completed a 12-month tour in Korea and a 12-month tour in Southeast Asia in support of the Vietnam War, for which he was awarded the Bronze Star. Chief Ksepka retired on February 28, 1982, with more than 30 years of active-duty service. Throughout his career, he earned 16 awards and 20 decorations in recognition of his dedication and service to his country.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Gene joined McDonnell Douglas, where his knowledge, leadership, and work ethic proved invaluable. He retired from McDonnell Douglas in 1992.
Gene and Audrey eventually moved to Brownsville and later to John Knox Village, where they enjoyed many years together until Audrey’s passing.
Gene was blessed to find love again and married Linda on December 15, 2019. Together, they became passionate advocates for veterans and their contributions to the United States. Gene successfully worked with the City of Weslaco and John Knox Village to have POW/MIA flags flown in honor of America’s missing and imprisoned service members. He also helped establish a Veterans Room at John Knox Village. Alongside Linda, he managed the Veterans Committee Association and participated in countless community activities.
Gene had a lifelong love of history, particularly family genealogy. He was a devoted student of aviation and eagerly learned about aviation history whenever possible. He enjoyed photography, recording family and community events with his camcorder, and cheering on his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers. Gene also volunteered as a chef and was actively involved in the local Polish Club. A proud patriot, Gene loved eagles and built an impressive collection of eagle-themed keepsakes and memorabilia over the years.
Affectionately known as “Mr. Christmas” and “Mr. Patriotic,” Gene loved celebrating life. He never missed a birthday, anniversary, or opportunity to honor others. He also enjoyed traveling, especially cruising with family and friends.
Gene was the first of five children in his family to earn a high school diploma, and he later earned a master’s degree. He possessed a servant’s heart and volunteered whenever he saw a need. He approached every task with determination, generosity, and love. His patriotism and devotion to his country inspired generations of his family to serve. His brothers and his legacy continued through a niece and great-niece, as well as his son, grandson, and great-grandson, who all answered the call to serve.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Stanislaw “Stanley” and Ludwika “Lucy” (Zega) Ksepka; the beloved mother of his children, Audrey Ksepka; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Ksepka; and his brothers, Walter Ksepka, Joe Ksepka, and Stanley Ksepka.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; his sons, Michael August Ksepka (Judy) and Andrew Paul Ksepka; his sister, Laura Ksepka Catenazzo; his grandsons, Matthew Ksepka (Dawn), Jonathon Ksepka (Sarah), and Nicholas Paul Ksepka; his great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, and Viola Ksepka; his niece, Barbara Catenazzo; his great-niece, Catherine Newell; and Faith Anderson, a young woman who became like a daughter to Gene and Audrey.
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