Douglas Kent Gengenbach

Douglas K Gengenbach, 84, passed away at his home in Mission, Texas on Friday, December 22, 2023.  He was born December 7, 1939 to Fred and Ilene (DeBoer) Gengenbach in Eustis, Nebraska. He attended country school and graduated from Eustis in 1957. He married Jane Grabenstein on May 1, 1960.  To this union, his son Brent, and daughter Janine were born.  In the early 70’s he built a farmyard which included their home, grain storage, shops and cattle pens. The marriage ended in 1978.  In 1979, Doug married Merikay Berg. That marriage ended in 2011. He moved to McAllen, Texas and opened a yogurt store and farmed. Doug farmed his entire life.

 

Doug was a hard-working driven man.  He was named the outstanding young farmer of Nebraska at 31; He owned and operated fertilizer plants from Elwood to Dalhart, Texas; He devised and patented the DG corn paddle wheel used for down corn at harvest. Doug was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Eustis and of the Eustis Lions Club. His memory was remarkable to the end, recalling people, places, events, and cars with incredible clarity.  Doug also enjoyed music, he loved to sing, and loved to put his dancing shoes on and dance the night away, and if you spent time with him, he could recall the happy times in great detail. He was also very proud of his grandchildren and thankful for each day God gave him.

 

He is survived by his son Brent (Kelly) Gengenbach of Eustis; daughter Janine (Scott) Porter of Augusta, KS; his grandchildren Lauren (Tanner) Anderson of Omaha, Courtney (Brant) Arends of Eustis, Blake (Brooke) Gengenbach, of Eustis; and Kylie Porter of Lawrence, KS. His great grandchildren Rowan, Breccan, and Crue Anderson; Saylor, Saige, Sterling and Knox Arends and Emerson Gengenbach.  Doug is also survived by his spouse Viola Bazan and her family. His sister Dianne Brown, brothers Jim (Phyllis), Kurt (Twyla) and Galen. Nieces, nephews and many extended family members.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in- law Larry Brown.

 

Services will be held Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis with Pastor Kathy Gundell officiating. Burial will follow at Eustis East Cemetery. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to the Eustis Chamber, “Light Up Eustis” fund.