Cathrine Gentzel Obituary

Cathrine I. Gentzel May 5, 1921-March 2, 2013 Cathrine I. Gentzel, 91, of rural Centre Hall, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Centre Crest in Bellefonte. She was born May 5, 1921, at home in rural Spring Mills, a daughter of the late Miles and Pearl Kreitzer Barger. Cathrine was a 1938 graduate of the Gregg Township Vocational High School. On May 19, 1940, she married William Gentzel, who survives at home. In addition to her husband of 72 years, she is survived by one daughter, Judy Coates and her husband Robert, of Norristown; two sons, Gary Gentzel and his wife Doris, and Joseph Gentzel and his wife Judy all of Centre Hall; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret and Anna; and four brothers, Harry, Otto, Delbert and Walter. Cathrine was a homemaker, who prior to her retirement, worked in the office of the Registrar at the Penn State University. She enjoyed cats, singing, flowers, sewing, quilting, knitting, family and taking bus trips with her husband. Cathrine found great satisfaction working as a volunteer with RSVP. In addition to her other volunteer work, she made numerous quilts and sweaters for the needy. Mrs. Gentzel was acknowledged for her dedicated work at the Laurelton Donation Center via an article and picture in the Centre Daily Times where she was quoted as saying; "I like to volunteer. It means as much to me as it does for others. Keeping busy and being around people is the best thing in life." Friends will be received from noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court, Spring Mills. The funeral service will follow immediately at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the church, with the Rev. Michael Price officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Upper Georges Valley Road, Spring Mills. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mrs. Gentzel's memory may be made to New Hope Lutheran Church, 119 Cobblestone Court, Spring Mills, PA 16875. An online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.

Published by Centre Daily Times on Mar. 4, 2013.
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Gentzel family -- When Dad recalled his childhood visits to his cousins, his face would light up. How he loved Cathrine! God bless you all in your loss, heaven's gain.

Kathy McClenahan Kapinus

March 9, 2013

Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. I hope in time your sweet memories will help to brighten your days.

Kim Floray Smith

March 9, 2013

My prayers are with the Gentzel family during your loss. She was always such a pleasant person to be around. Her smile always made me welcome at the farm and in Spring Mills.

Bill Stover

March 8, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady and helped raise a wonderful family. She will live on in your hearts. Take care of each other.

vicky barner

March 6, 2013

Goodbye Mama. I'm so blessed that I got to visit with you only a few hours before you left this earth. I'll never forget that afternoon. I'll miss your laugh and your smile. You never got tired of the grandkids popping into your house at any time of the day - you were always glad to see us. You always told me that the grandkids kept you young. Your love for all of us will never be forgotten.

Judy

March 5, 2013

She was the best grandmother a girl could ever have. I feel so blessed having lived next door to her as I was growing up. She enjoyed all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and I know she would have loved to see the newest member of our family her great granddaughter. She taught me how to crochet and french braid my hair. She also taught me how to love animals, birds, and flowers. We spent many evenings either sitting on the porch or watching TV (Wheel of Fortune) by the wood stove or just looking at old pictures. We would laugh like crazy. Love you mama and will think of you every day.

Jill

March 5, 2013

Jack and Cassie...cousins who shared memories of their childhood when we visited at Centre Crest...for a short time when she recognized him to the surprise of staff.."Jack, she said, didnt we have fun sled riding"... what a beautiful lady! Glad I shared those moments with two special people. Jack's daugher, Linda

Linda McC, Decker Reitz

March 4, 2013

To know her was a blessing. She helped shape my life and my way of thinking. Oh blessed fond memories of my youth, haunt me forever , she loved and cared for this little boy !

" Buddie "

March 4, 2013

One could not have asked for a better Grandmother. She 'labored not for wealth nor fame,' but instead for her family, extended family, and even those she didn't know, as a retired senior volunteer. She leaves us with very many fond memories and her influence will live on in the rest of us who grew up around her. We will miss her always.

Gary

March 4, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Barb & Don Wilkins

March 4, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss.She is now an angel to watch over your family as you continue on without her.

Vicky Barner

March 4, 2013

I will miss you Mama. I will always remember the times we used to sit on the back porch with Papa and rock for hours until it got dark. I realize now my passion for growing plants at the Smithsonian came from you. I love you Mama and will miss you and think about you every day. Jill

March 4, 2013

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