John David Gentges, Sr., 84, Jefferson City, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at River City Living Community surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 3, 1941, the son of the late Rudolph and Vida (Morris) Gentges in St. Louis.
A proud 1960 Helias graduate. He was a member of the first freshman class to attend all four years.
John was united in marriage to Henrietta Boessen on Nov. 25, 1961, in St. Thomas.
He was a small business owner, which included Gentges Roofing and Sheet Metal, and later was a construction consultant.
John was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, barbequing, playing the piano, and especially loved his dogs. John was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou and Helias sports fan.
In his retirement years he loved to golf and travel, recording over a million miles on three Dodge trucks.
John was married to his beautiful wife Henrietta for 65 years. Above all, John considered himself a devout Christian man, who took great pride in being a dedicated father and grandfather. He loved talking with his children and grandchildren about sports, construction, dogs, or any other special project or activity any of them were involved in. He was so proud of everyone’s accomplishments and found joy in encouraging all of his children to work hard and follow their dreams.
John was preceded in death by parents, Rudolph and Vida; and sister, Nancy Backes.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Henrietta of Jefferson City; children, John Gentges, Jr. and wife Michelle, Julie Clingman and husband Dwayne and Janice Houser and husband Steve, all of Jefferson City, Jerry Gentges and wife Sylvia of Jacksonville, Fla. and Jodie Maddox and husband Steve of Olathe, Kan.; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life open house (in lieu of a receiving line) was held on Tuesday, May 19, in the basement of St. Martin Catholic Church.
A visitation was held from 9 until 11:15 a.m., (today) Wednesday, May 20, at St. Martin Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Msgr. Gregory Higley officiating. Interment will be in the new St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested for a future cause in care of Henrietta Gentges.
Arrangments entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes - Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com
