Charles L. Gentner

Charles L. Gentner of Mayville, age 69, went to the Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Covenant Medical Center - Harrison in Saginaw, following a short illness. Charlie was born on May 12, 1949 in Harbor Beach, the youngest of five children born to the late Leland & Emma (Geiger) Gentner of Ruth. His early years were spent helping his parents and siblings on the family farm. Charlie attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Ruth from first grade through graduation, and later received an associate degree in business from the Saginaw Business Institute. Wishing to become an educator, Charlie then spent two years at Ferris State University where he received his teaching certificate in business education. He would eventually earn his master's degree in education from Central Michigan University. His teaching career began in 1972 at Bad Axe High School where Charlie taught business classes and drivers education for two years. In 1974, Charlie was united in marriage with Kathleen Clarkson, and the couple lived in Caro where Charlie taught for the next three years before taking a position at the Tuscola Intermediate School District as its placement director. In 1984, Charlie and family moved to Mayville, and remained there until his death. He was instrumental in the passage of the millage to create the Tuscola Area Skill Center (TASC) in Caro and continued to teach accounting and business classes at the ISD until his retirement in 2003. Charlie was also well known as the owner of Gentner Insurance Agency in Mayville, where he served as a MEEMIC agent. He used his natural people skills to create the business in 1980 and was proud to see it continue in the family. In his spare time, Charlie enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time at his deer camp in Merritt. He could often be found on the lake in his pontoon boat or admiring his Corvette that rarely left his garage. He will be remembered as a personable man that enjoyed connecting with people. No one was a stranger for long with Charlie. He was an avid Tigers, Pistons, and University of Michigan fan, and attended the high school state basketball finals for many years. Left to cherish Charlie's memory are two sons, Jason Gentner of Mayville, Daniel Gentner and his wife, Raeann, of Mayville; and their mother, Kathleen Gentner of Frankenmuth. He was also proud to welcome his first grandchild, Hudson, only four weeks ago. In addition, Charlie is survived by three siblings and their spouses, Marie & James Oswald of Palms, Melvin & Carol Gentner of Ruth, Robert & Sharon Gentner of Prudenville; sister-in-law, Jane Gentner of Warren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Travis; and brother, Duane Gentner. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, in Caro. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Charlie Gentner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Tuscola County Community Foundation. Visitation Information Date: Monday, July 9, 2018 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Tuesday, July 10, 2018 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, in Caro.