The Magic Valley Loses A Great Man

If you've been to a rodeo in the Magic Valley, odds are you've meet Gene Schiffler. On Monday July, 25th the Magic Valley lost a great man. Gene Schiffler, age 83, passed away surrounded by family in his home.

Gene lived a full, accomplished life. You may have last seen Gene waving to the crowd during the 2015 Western Days Parade. Gene was selected as last years Pioneer Of The Year. He was selected for his long lasting commitment to our rodeo community.

Gene began his rodeo career in his early teens as a Calf Roper and a Rodeo Clown. He later became a rodeo judge. Over the years, Gene made amazing memories while "rodeoing" locally and away from home. He participated in rodeos with some of the best cowboys in the industry.

Gene was the President and Founder of the Wilderness Pro Rodeo Circuit. He was a team roper until he retired with his best friend and partner Rusty Houtz. Gene was inducted into the Southern Idaho Pro Rodeo Cowboys Hall of Fame in 2004, as well as the Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame in 2007. Gene served on the Producers Livestock Board of Directors, the Twin Falls County Fair Board, and the Twin Falls County Rodeo Board.

One of his greatest accomplishments was qualifying for the National Senior Pro Rodeo Finals in Elko, Nevada in 2004 in the team roping with Rusty.

Gene's family stated, "He was larger than life, never knew a stranger and if you were his friend, it was for life. He was very much loved and well respected and will be missed by all who knew him."

Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home located at 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls will host a visitation service for Gene this Friday, August 5, 2016 from 5 to 8 PM. The Twin Falls Reformed Church located at 1631 Grandview Drive in Twin Falls will hold funeral services on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM with an Interment service following at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Twin Falls.