Geraldine A. Gentzler

Geraldine A. Gentzler, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 3, 2009 in Winter Haven, Florida. She was a resident of Lake Wales, Florida. Gerry was born on April 13, 1921 in Massillon, Ohio to the late William and Lucy (Eberly) Appleby. A graduate of Massillon High School, she married Paul Gentzler in 1941. They were married for 56 years before death parted them. Paul and Gerry had three children; Gordon (Rita) Gentzler, David (Ruth Ann) Gentzler and Nancy Grimes (John Switzer) all of Jackson Twp., six grandchildren, Jared Grimes, Lisa Shafer, Jennifer (Tom) Knapik, Paul and Adam Gentzler and David Myers and five great grandchildren, Caitlin, Jordan, Logan, Jack, and Beth. She also leaves a dear friend, Don Brewer of Lake Wales, and her brother Gordon (Helen) Appleby of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Gerry was a member of many organizations in her lifetime. She was president of the Greensburg PTA 1952-1954, belonged to the Greensburg Garden Club, the Order of Eastern Star #567 Portage Lakes, and served on the advisory board of the Rainbow Girls. Gerry was also a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine #19 Kadesh Court, the Ladies Shrine Patrol, and acted as president of the mothers club of Sigma Kappa Sorority (Wittenberg U.). She was also a longtime member of Shady Hollow Country Club (Massillon, Ohio). Working with her husband Paul, they founded Gentzler Tool & Die Corp. in 1951. Gerry was president of the company until her passing. In the early 1980's Paul and Gerry started wintering in Florida to enjoy the benefits of retirement, where they were part of a close knit community of friends in Lake Wales. They joined Lake Wales Country Club in 1982. Gerry, not one to sit idle, was the first social chairperson for the country club and became a member of the Lake Wales Arts Council. She attended First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales as well as being a member of the Women's Club bible study group of Lake Wales. While in Jackson Twp., she attended John Knox Presbyterian Church. Gerry was an active person who had a zest for life. She loved golf, traveling, cross country skiing, crafting, nature, flowers, cooking, attending Ohio State football games, and entertaining. In her later years, she enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in sporting events and other activities, going for long rides with her sons Gordon and David, as well as her friend Don, and visiting wineries with Nancy and John. Besides her parents and husband Paul, Gerry was also preceded in death by her older brother, Harold Appleby and son-in-law, Russ Grimes. Calling hours will be 4:30 – 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 6, at Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd., Massillon, Ohio and one hour before the services at the church on Wednesday. The funeral will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 7, at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 5155 Eastlake St. Jackson Twp.(330)494-9479). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Also, in memory of Gerry, do something nice for someone. Paquelet Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330)833-3222 www.paquelet.com