Robert B. “Bob” Gentrup

Bob Gentrup

HARTINGTON — Robert B. “Bob” Gentrup, 84, Hartington, died Oct. 28, 2022, at Unity Point Health – St. Luke’s, Sioux City, Iowa, from heart complications.

Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 1 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with the Rev. Ron Wasikowski officiating.

Burial was at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington. Visitation and a Vigil Service were Monday, at church, and continued Tuesday, one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers were Javier Urrutia, Dan Erker, Kyle Steffen, Jay Arthur, Jude Steffen, Oliver Steffen, Fin Arthur, and Robert Gentrup.

Honorary pallbearers were Darrell Kathol, Norman Sudbeck, Keith Becker, Gayle Becker, Kenny Becker, Britt Becker, Tom Schoenfelder, and Todd Knutson; and his Godchildren, Gerry Havermann, Rolly Goeden, Keith Merkel, Carmine Nice and Stefanie Merkel.

Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Hartington.

Bob was born the seventh of 12 children Feb. 13, 1938, to Conrad and Mary (Spenner) Gentrup. His love for farming began at a young age while growing up on the family farm outside Crofton. As a young man, Bob worked as a ranch hand in Crawford. After his father passed, he returned to Crofton to help support his family. Soon after, he met his sweetheart, Joyce Merkel, at the Saint Patrick’s dance at the Skylon Ballroom in 1963. A year later, they were married April 11, and he continued working the family farm. In 1965, they moved to Hartington where Bob drove a milk truck for Neu Cheese, sold feed for Moorman’s, and then worked at Prince Hydraulics. Upon retirement, Bob drove a school bus and was also able to return to his love of farming by working seasonally for area farmers.

Bob was active in the Cedar County community as a member of Holy Trinity Parish, where he prayed for many at his adoration hour; as well as Knights of Columbus; handing out roses for Right to Life; and serving as a volunteer for the fire department for 28 years.

Bob had many hobbies, including restoring tractors, golfing, hunting, fishing, Friday night fish fries, enjoying nature on long walks, and his most recent love, riding his electric bike around town. He and Joyce enjoyed playing in many card clubs over the years, where Bob was eager to exhibit his mastery of Sheephead, Euchre, Pinochle, or any card game his friends, children or grandchildren would encourage him to play into the early morning hours. His family will most fondly remember him “putzing” around and completing his “Bob G” fixes.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years; five children, Jeffrey (Barb), Ravenna; Brenda (Javier) Urrutia, Omaha; Cheryl (Dan) Erker, Omaha; Jennifer (Kyle) Steffen, Lincoln; Rebecca (Jay) Arthur, Overland Park, Kan.; 16 grandchildren, Robert and Emma Gentrup; Briana, Catiana, Luisa, Teresa, Corina, and Isabela Urrutia; Madeline, Audrey and Tara Erker; Xanthe, Jude and Oliver Steffen; and Fin and Charlotte Arthur; siblings, Hilda Schumacher, Yankton, S.D.; Marcella Lammers, Yankton, S.D.; Angela (Marvin) Goeden of Yankton, SD, Irene (Larry) Hames of Yankton, S.D.; MaryAnn (John) Sorci of Morgan Hill, Calif.; and David (Dianne) Gentrup, Yankton, S.D.; sister-in-law, Anita Gentrup, Hudson, Colo.; brother-in-law, David Havermann, Arvada, Colo.; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his angel in heaven, Baby Gentrup; brothers, Henry (Barbara “Bobbie”) Gentrup, Hilary (Charlotte) Gentrup and Cletus Gentrup; sisters, Lucille and infant Evelyn; and brothers-in-law, Pete Schumacher and Marvin Lammers.