He was born March 10, 1966 in Price, Utah. The son of Geraldine Gene Sweetring and Jozef Pieter Praag. He graduated from Kearns High School. Gene met his sweetheart Valerie Ann Beatty on August 29, 1986. They were later married on February 22, 1991 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Up until Gene had gotten sick he was employed at US Magnesium Inc as a Quality Control Technician.
Gene was an amazing photographer, his photos could be found on covers of magazines and around the world. Prior to his photographer career, Gene was an amazing swimmer. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking, fishing and often visited the West Desert. Of all of his loves his family was by far his favorite, he was an example of what a father should be to his boys and a loving and caring grandpa to his grandchildren.
Gene is survived by his wife Valerie, his sons Brent Praag (Jade), Garrick Praag (Kami) and Spencer Praag (Lynnette); five grandchildren: Damiano, Clover, Elias, Penelope and Marley. Also survived by his father Joe (Johanna) Praag, siblings: Leo (Karen) Praag, Nannie Praag (Rene), Peggy Webb, Kenny Praag and Judy Kalt.
He was preceded in death by his mother Gerry, mother-in-law Jacklyn Jean Beatty Praag and brother Fred Praag.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Valley View Funeral Home, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, UT.
Viewings will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and prior to the service from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
It is the family request to dress casually for the services.
Interment will be in the Valley View Memorial Park Lilac Garden.
