Submitted by: Dan Rich

Abe M. Gentner

Jan. 12, 1922 - Aug. 26, 2005

South Bend Tribune 8/30/2005

Abe M. "Midge" Gentner, 83, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2005, in his home in South Bend, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Gentner was a gunner corporal in Battery C, 179th Field Artillery Battalion, serving under General Patton in World War II. He earned several decorations, among them a Bronze Star Medal. Corporal Gentner was cited for his untiring resourcefulness, exceptional ability and coolness under fire during his units advance across Europe, despite severe weather conditions and personnel shortages. Mr. Gentner was a lifelong member of the Hebrew Orthodox Congregation and an active member of the Sinai Synagogue for many years. He organized and lead religious services, tutored young boys preparing for Bar Mitzvah, and took all congregation members into his heart. Along with his brothers, Max Gentner, the late Isadore and Rueben, he owned and operated the Gentner Meatpacking Company which was founded by his late father, Herman. Among his peers, Midge was considered to be one of the best live cattle buyers in the Midwest.

Midge Gentner is survived by the memory and spirit of his late wife, Ida; his children, Sharon (Thomas) Hohmun of Chicago, Illinois, Don (Sharon) Gentner of Granger, Debbie Gentner and Rochelle (Michael) Baker of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and Marsha Gentner (Joe Berman) of Washington, D.C.; his grandchildren, Joshua (Elizabeth) Gentner, Noah Gentner, Andrew (Drew) Baker, Aaron Baker and Jillian Berman; his great-grandchildren, Leah Gentner and Jordan Gentner; his brother, Max of Granger; his loving nieces and nephews; and many friends and admirers.

Midge's sense of humor, zest for life, kindness, commitment to the ideals of his religious community and country, and unconditional love of his family serve as his legacy. He left this world a better place, and may we all do the same.

The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of his son, Don, through Thursday. Donations may be made to the Hebrew Orthodox Congregation, Sinai Synagogue, The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. Forest G. Hay Funeral Home handled arrangements.