Allen Eugene “Gene” Howdeshell, 72, is riding like the wind on Heaven’s highway. He gained his wings on October 16, 2025 at his home in Ottumwa, IA. He was born to Leo Alfred Howdeshell, Jr & Betty Lou Cottrell Howdeshell on August 26, 1953. “Gene” was a 1972 graduate of Ottumwa High School & a graduate of IHCC. He attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church ~ Ottumwa. He married Jodi German of Ottumwa (they later divorced). To that union they were blessed with a daughter, Maleah Howdeshell Spiker of Ankeny, Iowa.
Gene didn’t know a stranger & would do anything for those he loved & cherished. He always had an ornery grin, living life on his own terms and looking for an open road for some “wind therapy” in places such as Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Roger, Arkansas, Poopy’s Saloon and the Iron Horse Social Club both in Savanna, Illinois & of course, Sturgis. He loved riding the curves of Keosauqua, Iowa. Gene worked for the BNSF railroad & later became a bartender in both Florida & Las Vegas, as well as Ottumwa. When not tending bar (or sitting on the bar with his friend Smokey Miller) at the Rendezvous or the Fox Lounge in Ottumwa, you would often find Gene flirting with the ladies while playing pool.
Gene left a legacy of lifelong passion for riding his Harley, helping others less fortunate, his deep respect for Veterans, the American flag & was proud to be an American who loved his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gene is survived by his sisters, Sue Mier Howdeshell of Hanover Park, Illinois and Christine Howdeshell Parker of Ottumwa, his daughter, Maleah Howdeshell Spiker & 3 granddaughters, Tayah Jo, Adrian LynnLee & Stella Marie of Ankeny, Iowa ~ several special nieces, nephews and cousins. Special mention of lifelong friends who were like brothers to Gene include Bill Albertson, Mike (Hilton) Sheets, Smokey Miller & Gary Goodvin.
Per Gene’s request his body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Lodge~Ottumwa on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 1 PM. Help make some major rumbling noise this Spring by joining Gene’s friends/classmates Jack Gordy and Terry “Bucky” Buckingham as they host a “Kickstands Up” Memorial Ride from Ottumwa to Keosauqua in Gene’s honor.
*Memorials can be made to the family. A donation container will also be available at the Elks or mail to the information below:
Howdeshell Family
927 SW Springfield Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50023
