December 27, 1950 – June 22, 2025
Eugene “Gene” Martin Gentz, 74, of Forest City, passed away on June 22nd, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City after a long battle with multiple health issues. Gene was surrounded by his family and loved ones at his time of death.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. followed by a short memorial service at 7:00 PM on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Schott Funeral Homes-Forest City Chapel, 505 North Clark Street, Forest City.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gene Gentz memorial fund in care of the family.
Gene (Also known as Butch growing up) was born on December 27th, 1950 to William and Esther Gentz in Mason City, IA. Gene was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend to many. He touched the lives of many with his unfiltered sense of humor. He always had a joke or two in his back pocket for any moment.
After Gene graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1969, he went on to work at G&H Motor Parts in Forest City, IA where he worked for 50 years.
On January 9th 1970, Gene met Marilyn at her house on a blind date with some mutual friends. They got married on June 12th, 1971 in Lake Mills. Gene and Marilyn went on to have 2 children, Gretchin and Chad.
In 2020, Gene retired and spent his time golfing, gardening, and spending time with family. In Gene’s spare time, he and Marilyn would play cribbage together or he would tinker around with cars. He may have “retired”, but he continued to work part time because he couldn’t stay away when people called to ask for his help. He had several people who knew he was good at his job and would reach out to only him for their parts. He was passionate about golfing and Busch Light. If it was nice out, he was out golfing with friends. Gene’s final wishes were to be cremated and have his ashes placed inside a golf ball — a tribute to the game he loved so much. Anyone that knew Gene, knows he is enjoying a Busch Light now that he can have it again. Although Gene is gone, he will live in our hearts forever.
Gene is survived by his wife Marilyn Gentz (Anderson-Estes); children, Gretchin (Curt) Harshfield and Chad (Julie) Gentz; grandchildren (9) – Brianna (Conner) Bates, Skylar Harshfield, Mallori Harshfield, Gauge Harshfield, Hailey Gentz, Mikaela Kessler, Coltan (Gabriela) Kessler, Sidney Gentz, Danika Gentz; great-grandchildren, (13) – Paisley, Waylon, Aubrey, Nova, Kinsley, Braelynn, Oaklynn, Julie, Jade, Bow, Stiles, KJ, Cillian; his siblings, Delores Baldwin, Richard (Sharon) Gentz, Marilyn Holland, Gloria Davidson, Rosalie (Steve) Greiman, June Low, Robert Gentz, Julie (Tom) Bock.
Gene was proceeded in death by his parents, William and Esther Gentz (Kloose); brothers, Charles and Wilbert Gentz; brothers-in-laws, David Davidson, LaVern Baldwin, Keith Low and Chuck Holland; sisters-in-laws, Bonnie (Richard) Brevig and Darlene Tomlinson; nephew, Jeff Gentz; niece, Jill Greiman; mother-in-law, Beverly and best-friends, Joe Pace and Wayne Hopkins.
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