Gene R. Nurnberg, 83, of Greensburg, KY, son of the late Robert Nurnberg and Louise Apple Nurnberg, was born April 11, 1938 in Hoskins, Nebraska and departed this life peacefully at his farm on Friday, May 28 2021. 

He graduated with a degree in engineering from the University of Nebraska after which he began his career designing and overseeing the construction of Atlas Missile Silos. In fall of 1963, Gene began what would become a decades-long career working with NASA at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He had leadership roles beginning early in the Apollo Program until its completion. He was Chief Shuttle Flow Manager for the Space Shuttle Program and was Space Shuttle Discovery’s Manager for all 39 of its missions, beginning with its build at the factory in Palmdale, California. Gene Nurnberg was a significant contributor to NASA’s manned space programs until his retirement in fall of 2009. Having been awarded multiple public service medals from NASA, he was highly respected and recognized throughout the manned space community and his contributions were significant to success at every level. He had made a profession of faith in Christ and attended the Greasy Creek Baptist Church.

SURVIVORS:

Wife of 41 years: Judith Lorene Lobb Nurnberg of Greensburg
1 son and daughter-in-law: Robert Dean and Michelle Nurnberg of Georgia

2 daughters and son-in-law: Michelle and William Middleton of Georgia, and Kara Leigh Freck of Florida

11 grandchildren: Dean Nurnberg, Brad Nurnberg, Nick Nurnberg, Jacob Carlson, Emily Carlson, William Middleton, Laura Middleton, Tommy Freck, David Freck, Jason Freck, and Michael Freck; a sister: Ruth Pendergraft of Missouri

1 brother: Dale Nurnberg of Nebraska

A host other relatives and many friends in Florida and in Kentucky

Gene was also preceded in death by a daughter, Tonya Carlson.

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