Nelson “Gene” Hiatt, 72, Rochester, passed away at 3:01 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at his farm.

On May 23, 1943, Nelson Gene born in Richland Township, a treasured son of Clarence L. and Charlotte McMillen Hiatt. Growing up he shared his childhood with a sister and three brothers. Gene developed a life long passion for agriculture, spending his youth on the family farm. He graduated from Richland Center High School in 1962.

Pursuing his formal education, Gene studied at the Bemidji Bible Institute in Minnesota for three years. During this time he spent six months in the Holy Land, specifically Dothan, Jordan, as an archeologist. Returning home he enrolled at Bethel College earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Gene continued his education attaining a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne.

Gene taught elementary school in Winamac for seven years before refocusing his professional career as a full-time farmer. During his teaching years, Gene kept his eye out for a student who possessed the initial qualities of an underdog. It was a personal goal to elevate that student and arm him or her with leadership qualities making a change in their young lives.

In Plymouth, Gene married the love of his life and  best friend, Jo Ruth Good on June 21, 1969. Together they shared more than 46 years of life’s adventures. Their union produced four wonderful children, Stephen, Michael, Miriam and Rachel.  The blessing of another generation has been added to the family tree with ten grandchildren.

Gene’s passion for farming involved a wide a varied spectrum. From his family farm he annually led in the planting of a huge truck patch garden. The bountiful harvest was enjoyed by his family, but also his loyal customers at the Hiatt Garden Farm Market’s of Plymouth and Rochester and the South Bend  Farmer’s Market.  As an entrepreneur, he raised chickens and turkeys and opened a processing operation on his Richland Township homestead.   From 1990 – 1997 Gene and his family owned and operated the Hiatt Ice Company.

For over four decades, Gene served as the South Bend Farmer’s Market as president. He was active with the Gideons International for many years, serving a zone leader. More recently he was a charter member of The Cross Church in Rochester where he worked on many committees. Gene was especially  proud of the many short term missionary trips to Honduras, Escusla el Sanbrado. It was here that he taught the villagers how to plant, maintain the crops and maximize the harvest of a truck patch garden. A lifelong teacher at heart he also taught them how to set up a poultry farm complete with processing operation. These gifts allowed the local farmers to be self-sustaining and independent.

Together Gene and Ruth raised four children who all contribute to our community. What a legacy he has left them, instilling basic values and many of the the ingredients to lead a successful, productive life. As a role model he demonstrated a strong work ethic, loyalty and how to maintain independence, just naming a few of life’s lessons.  He had an uncanny ability to identify a weakness with his offspring and help them overcome, creating a new found strength.

Born with a birth defect to his right hand, Gene not only persevered but prevailed never allowing that to overcome him or stop his progress.  He would make modifications re-inventing methods to accomodate that little hurdle. In his early years he  was an accomplished basketball player, could clean and cut up a chicken faster or carry a five gallon bucket just like anyone.  His positive attitude was unparallelled.

Left to cherish Gene’s memory are his loving wife Ruth; two daughters: Miriam (Tim) Miller, Macy, Rachel (Kyle) Schnitz, Rochester; two sons: Stephen “Goose” Hiatt, Rochester; Michael (Julie) Hiatt, Rochester; 10 grandchildren: Maddison Hiatt, Mikayla Hiatt, Mallory Hiatt, Peyton Hiatt, Hannah Miller, Leah Miller, Rivkah Miller, Silas Miller, Emma Rae Schnitz, Ella Grace Schnitz; a sister: Kathryn Hiatt, Plymouth; two brothers: Pat (Patty) Hiatt, Rochester; Phil (Shirley) Hiatt, Plymouth; a sister-in-law: Carol Hiatt, Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Gene in death are his parents; a grandchild; and a brother: Ernest Hiatt on Oct. 21, 2015.

Pastor Martin Furrow will officiate services. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.