John Martin "Jack" Gentner

John Martin "Jack" Gentner obituary

John Martin "Jack" Gentner

John Gentner Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. on Sep. 19, 2025.
John "Jack" Martin Gentner, born on October 5, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, in Trenton, Michigan, at the age of 70. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jack spent his career as a skilled crane operator for McLouth Steel and also worked as a truck driver. His work ethic and dedication were admired by his colleagues and friends alike.

A true outdoorsman at heart, Jack loved everything about nature. He found joy in hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and cherished the time he spent at his beloved home away from home at Houghton Lake. Jack was also an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for the University of Michigan teams, as well as the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Geraldine Gentner; his in-laws, Chuck and Beverly Harbaum; his brother, Tom Gentner; his son-in-law, Sean O'Hehir; and his brother-in-law, Vito Weeda.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Mary; his children, Jody (John) Petroff, Janis (Roger) Hollenbeck, Lindsey O'Hehir, and J.C. (Jade) Gentner; and his six cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Bryce, Dylan, John, Rosie, and Henry. Jack also leaves behind his sister, Joann Weeda; brothers-in-law, Chuckie (Rebecca Barlett) Harbaum and Ernie Harbaum; sister-in-law, Judy Gentner; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends who will remember him fondly.

A service to honor Jack's life will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Michigan Memorial Park, where he will also be laid to rest.

If you would like to donate to John's family, please click on the button on the left.

Jack's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, and his legacy of kindness, love for the outdoors, and devotion to family will never be forgotten.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

30895 W Huron River Dr P.O. Box 370, Flat Rock, MI 48134

Make a Donation
in John Gentner's name

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Gentner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Gentner's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?