Armand James Gentling

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, January 6, 1924
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Age:
88 years old

Visitation

Date: Monday December 31, 2012
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Tuesday January 01, 2013
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Memorial Mass

Date: Tuesday January 01, 2013
Time: 2:00 pm

Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, January 6, 1924
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Age:
88 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, January 6, 1924
Date of Death:
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Age:
88 years old

Armand James Gentling

Armand James Gentling, 88, of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at St. Marys Hospital.

He was born January 6, 1924 in Rochester, MN to Harold and Nellie (Larson) Gentling.  He was in the first graduating class of Lourdes High School in 1942.  Armand worked in the shipyards in Washington State and in California before returning to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota.  He married Frances W. Glover on June 1, 1946 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester.  Armand worked for the Mayo Clinic and the Chicago Great Western Railroad before finding his true passion – helping people restore their sense of hearing as a hearing aid salesman.  “Ampy” eventually became the owner of the Maico Gentling Hearing Center in Rochester which he operated until his retirement in 1989.

Armand and Fran lived in Rochester for 32 years before moving to “the lake” at Cedar Beach on Lake Zumbro in 1979.  They returned to NW Rochester in 2005.  They also enjoyed 18 wonderful winters with their special “snowbird” family in Mesa Village, Mesa, AZ.  Armand loved playing golf, dancing, fishing, dancing, traveling, reading and dancing.  He was always ready for a good game of cards; bridge with the couples, 500 with the kids and cribbage with anybody.  More than anything else Ampy loved spending time with his family; laughing, joking, storytelling and thoroughly enjoying life.  His life was a model for building relationships through trust and loyalty.  His life portrayed values and beliefs that left a positive impression on all with whom he came to know.  He made a difference in people’s lives and he will be missed.

Armand is survived by his wife, Frances (Glover) and five children:  Steven (Susan Hanson) of Guthrie, OK; Richard (Kathy Marlow) of Oronoco, MN; Julie (Robert) Kalar of Port Townsend, WA; Barbara (Kevin) Truax of Rochester, MN; and Anne (Steve) Maley of Oronoco, MN; Thirteen grandchildren include: Dr. Todd (Kellie) Gentling of Broken Arrow, OK; Kara (Michael) Sloat of Bixby, OK; Tiffany (William) Kinser of Edmond, OK; Jason Liebenow of Hayfield, MN; Brandon Liebenow of Rochester, MN; Justin (Stacy) Liebenow of Zumbrota, MN; Jesse (Stacy) Gentling of Edmond, OK; Joshua Gentling of Oronoco, MN; Nickolas (Rachel) Maley of Northfield, MN;  Christina Maley of Duluth, MN; Tyler Maley of Oronoco, MN; Ryan and Kristofer Truax of Rochester, MN.  Twelve great grandchildren include: Xavier (Sami) Meisinger of Oklahoma City, OK; Gabrielle, William and Jacob Kinser of Edmond, OK; Paige and Claire Gentling of Broken Arrow, OK; Brandon and Brady Sloat of Bixby, OK; Anna Buss and Greyson Gentling of Edmond, OK, Kinslee Liebenow of Zumbrota, MN and Liam Maley of Northfield, MN.  Surviving sisters include, Mary Felten of Crystal River, FL; Gretchen Cutshall of Rochester, MN and Margaret (John) Murach of Austin, MN.

Armand is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Richard and John “Swede”, a brother-in-law Robert Felten and a sister-in-law, Geneva.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00PM, Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 5455 50th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN with the Rev. Donald Schmitz officiating.  Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Monday, December 31, 2012 from 6:00pm – 8:00PM and one hour prior to the Mass at the church on Tuesday.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lourdes High School Development Fund or the Mayo Clinic Hospice program.

On-line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of Armand James Gentling has received the following condolences.

Annie and family,

I am sorry to learn of the death of your father.  My condolences to you and your whole family.  For some reason I was watching a YouTube video of Heart singing Dreamboat Annie.  I always think of you when I hear that song.  Anyway, I found myself thinking of old times Rochester (when you were my neighbor) and your name popped into my head.  You called me your "oldest buddy" when I showed up with my parents at your parent's 50th wedding anniversary.  You and your brothers and sisters put on quite celebration.  It was clear to me your family is close.  I know you will miss him very much.  Take care. 

Mr. Gentling was a very kind and loving person.  He will be missed by many. 

And yet another Angel in Heaven partying up there with the best of them! 

Lots of great memories growing up with the Gentling family!

Hugs to all in the Armand/Fran Gentling family! 

 

 

 

To Gentling Family With Our Sympathies and Condolences

We are sorry to here of your father's passing (Barb) but you can be so proud of what a fine person he was.  The obituary and article on Mayo Hospice can be a model for us all.  I remember your Dad from many years ago when he would come into  the Bank.  I do remember him always being upbeat and friendly and a positive person.  He will be missed.

DuWayne & Deb

Dear Gentling Family,

While we haven't been in close contact in recent years, all of our family will always remember your husband and father as a great neighbor and friend. I always remember a friendly wave and hello as Umpy came home from work, in the yard, and at church. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jeff and family

Dear Fran and family,

I am so sorry to hear that Armand has passed away.  He is in a better place now and will not suffer any more.  He will be with his many freinds and family that have preceded him to heaven.  I know Mom & Dad will be there to welcome him in.  They both so enjoyed the time you all spent together.  He will be missed by many people. 

 I am sorry I will not be able to come to any of the services, because of being sick with the bad cold.  The Dr. said today that it is a virus that is going around and if you can avoid going out, the best thing to do is stay home and get over the bug.

You will all be in our prayers.

Love, Terri

Dear Rick & family,

We're so sorry to learn of the loss of your dad.  He sounds like a truly wonderful man. You have our deepest sympathy.  Thoughts & prayers will be with you all.

Shelley & Steve Dostal

 

Sorry to read about your father and grandfather, thoughts and prayers to your families

I am truly sorry that you are having to go through this. Armand was an incredible man who lived a very selfless and fulfilling life. He will be missed greatly by all who came in contact with him and his kindhearted spirit.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

-Madeleine

Annie & family: I am so sorry to hear of "Grampa's" passing. I am sure he is at peace in Heaven though he will be missed so much here on Earth. We love you all. Please know our thoughts are with you. Bryan, Kristi, Katie, Lainey & Izzy

I can't begin to tell you how sad I am that you will not have that precious body that you loved so much will not be with you. but I know his shining soul and spirit will always live on in your heart.

He was so special to me and I will miss him so much.

I loved him the moment I met him.

All of my blessings and prayers are with each of you now at as time goes by

Midge

I am sorry to hear of your great loss, your father.  I enjoyed the time with him and some of your family down at Cedar Beach on the scumbro in the pontoon.  He truly was a fun man.  I hope all of you will find that he is well taken care of now and you don't have to worry about him anymore.  Take good care of your mamma.  As always, Sharon

Julie and family, I was so sorry to read (on line) of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Sincerely,Denise Gitchell Binghamton,N.Y.

What a beautifully written obituary. After reading it I have to tell you what a small world it is. I do believe that his brother in law was my science teacher in high school!!

Julie:  So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad.  I remember so well the many times you would call him for the answer to one of our silly questions and how we would laugh at some of his even sillier answers :) May the Good Lord be with You during this time of grieving, and memories of the good times past.  My prayers are with you and your family.  Love, Darleen

I was honored to meet Armand and Frances very recently. I was immediately struck by their love for each other and their love for their family. Armand had a wonderful sense of humor and a strong faith. He told me "I've had a great life with the best girl in the world. What more could I ask for?" What a fine example to leave as his legacy to his children and grandchildren. It was my privilege to know you Armand.  Peace to your family.  John Murphy, Mayo Clinic.