Thomas Kentner

1935 - 2024

WAPAKONETA -- The world lost a good and kind man on Friday, July 26, 2024, when Thomas Melvin "Tom" Kentner, of Wapakoneta, died. He was 89. He didn't want to give up, quit, and leave us, but his body finally gave out.

Tom was born April 24, 1935, in Wapakoneta to Melvin J.N. and Rita (Fisher) Kentner. As a child, everyone called him Tommy. He loved running around the neighborhood and playing basketball, football, and baseball. He was proud of the money he earned from his paper route and cherished spending time with his two grandfathers, one of whom often spoke in German to him.

Tom attended St. Joseph School and was senior class president. He studied Business at Bowling Green State University where, during his sophomore year, he met his wife to be, Kathleen Leahy. They were married on September 14, 1957, and spent 67 years together.

In 1959, Tom began his career at Ford Motor Company Lima Engine Plant. He worked as Engine Coordinator in New Model Planning, then in Purchasing, and finished his last 20 years as a Supervisor in the Distribution Unit. He loved his work and the daily challenges of four assembly lines and all the staff required to run them.

Tom held deep faith in God, served his community, and loved his big family with his every fiber. He was a life member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, where he was a server in his youth and then distributed communion and ushered at funeral masses for many years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1272 and Auglaize Fish and Game Club.

Tom rarely missed any events in which his seven children participated, and he regularly volunteered for school and community activities. He enjoyed fishing, playing horseshoes and cards, but spent most of his free time supporting his kids and keeping their cars and house well-maintained (you could eat off his garage floor). He was so proud of his children and believed they were his greatest accomplishment.

Tom embraced the role of grandfather and was a hands-on and fun "papa" to his 15 grandchildren. He gave each of them a special nickname, including Snoots, Henry Hotdog, Homer, Louie, Em the Gem, Sissy Blue Eyes, Whippersnapper, Kim Kim, Karli the Duck, Kara Jo from Borneo, Seaweed, and Allie Cat. When the grandchildren were young, Tom spent time fishing with each of them. As they grew up, he often could be found at their many sports and performing events, traveling to Columbus, Indiana, New Jersey, and Boston to support them.

Tom was frugal, wise, witty, methodical (some might say too thorough), and hardworking. He and Kathie saved so their children could attend college with little debt and their family could go on annual vacations.

And he had a silly side too. When his kids called him, it wasn't unusual for him to answer, "Sheriff's office," or "Duffy's Slophouse." When he was asked what advice he'd give to his grandchildren, he stated, "Be smart. Believe in your dreams. Save 10% of what you earn." He loved his family, his life, and his church.

Tom's family wishes to thank the staff at Miller Place, Celina, Ohio, for their kindness, compassion, and care of him while he lived there.

Tom is survived by a large and loving family, including his wife Kathie and their seven children: Kevin (Janice) Kentner, Wapakoneta, Michael Kentner, Wapakoneta, Karen (Mark) Crooks, Tampa, Florida, Matthew (Amy) Kentner, Wapakoneta, Melissa (James Gimeson) Kentner, Worthington, Ohio, Amy (Christopher) Jaromin, Andover, Massachusetts, and Timothy Kentner, Wapakoneta.

He is survived by 15 grandchildren: Aaron Vorhees, Kara Kentner, Karli Mertler, Kimberly Kentner, Allison Kothe, Amy Crooks, Alec Geddes, Evan Crooks, Eli Kentner, Olivia Kentner, Emma Kentner, Curran Gimeson, Ryan Gimeson, Zachary Jaromin, and Addison Jaromin.

Tom is also survived by 10 great grandchildren: Jaedon, Kelson, Johnny, Calvin, Riley, Henry, Hoyer, Xander, Cooper, and Collins, and three sisters: Carolyn (Jim) Pfenning, Judy (Ken) Bell, and Joanne Oliver. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Mark Kentner, a grandson, Josh Vorhees, a sister, Jean Marie Bell, and two brothers-in-law, Leo Cale and Richard Oliver.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 2, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Father Michael Willig officiating. Burial is to

follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 2- 4 and 6- 8 PM, Thursday and 9 AM-10:00 AM, Friday, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Permanent Improvement Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.