Merece Gentz entered eternal life at the age of 93 on Saturday, July 21, 2018. A visitation will be held Wednesday, July 25 from 9:30-11:00AM with a funeral starting at 11:00AM all at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 14085 Pike Lake Trail NE, Prior Lake. Merece will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery following the service. Pastor James Jobst will preside.
On May 7, 1925, Merece was born on her family’s farm to parents, Robert and Freda (Lindstrom) Hogberg. She was the oldest of three children. From a young age, Merece worked hard meeting the demands of living on a farm. She and her younger sisters spent much of their time helping out with the chores.
Following her high school graduation, Merece moved to the Twin Cities. While attending a Valentine’s Day dance, Merece caught the eye of a young man, Wilbert William Gentz. Despite her Swedish parent’s objections to her dating a German, the couple exchanged wedding vows June 25, 1948 at Mt. Olive Lutheran, Minneapolis.
Due to Bill’s job as a railroad depot agent, the couple lived throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. While living above the train depot in Linton, ND, Merece enjoyed making breakfast for not only her family, but the train engineers and workers visiting the depot. In 1960, a job opened in Prior Lake—being familiar with the area, the couple happily moved back to Minnesota where they raised their family.
Merece was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed being with family, whether it was around the dinner table eating a homecooked meal, camping, fishing, or getting together with other relatives. Even if it meant taking a break from wintering in Arizona and Florida, Merece and Bill attended their grandchildren’s sports events.
While Merece was a consummate homemaker, she was also an avid supporter of her community and church. Leading by example, she used her talents to benefit others. A gifted musician who could play by ear, Merece was the church organist at St. Paul’s Lutheran and later Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She taught grade school at Fish Lake Immanuel, was a member of the Ladies Aid, and was a true steward of the church. Along with Bill, she was one of the founding members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Merece’s character was influenced by the Great Depression—she was frugal, could seemingly make something from nothing, and believed in hard work. For many years, Merece worked outside of the home as a secretary at Donaldson Company of Bloomington. Until her 80s, she made bread for family, friends, and also sold it to people in town. When she wasn’t working or volunteering she loved playing cards, bowling, and watching the Twins on TV. Merece was a voracious reader and completed the crossword puzzle daily.
After suffering a stroke, Merece’s last days were spent with her family at her bedside. After a week of being together, sharing memories and praying, Merece passed away peacefully. A loving and generous woman, Merece is missed by her son, Greg (Lynda) Gentz; grandchildren, Deanna Gentz, Elise (Darren) Wercinski, Kevin (Kelly) Gentz, Ryan (Shawn) Gentz; 10 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Wercinski, Kaitlyn Wercinski, Brody Wercinski, Bennett Wercinski, Noah Wercinski, Kiara Gentz, Micah Gentz, Tenley Gentz, Eli Gentz, Noelle Gentz; sisters, Elaine Olson and Beverly (Marlo) Orth.
Merece is greeted in Heaven by her husband of 70 years, Bill; daughter, Kristine; brothers-in-laws, Ray Olson and Vern Nygren
Arrangements with Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake.
