Kathy Gentert

   Kathy Jane was born in WaKeeney, KS on October 8, 1949, the daughter of Myron and Ruth Mary (Chandler) Harries.  Kathy grew up there with her brothers, her cousins, and her pals the “10^th Street Girls.”  Kathy played ball as a City Slugger, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed her time in WaKeeney.  After graduating from Trego County High School (Golden Eagles), an opportunity took her to Burlington, IA.  There she met and married Dale McCullough and had a daughter Deanna.  The couple moved to Kileen, TX when Dale was sent to Fort Hood.  The family returned to Iowa and later divorced. 

   Kathy married Robert Gentert on May 11, 1975, in Brownville, NE and started her life as a farm wife.  She grew to enjoy the animals on a dairy farm and a hog operation.  Four more children, Jen Jim, Katie, and JD were born to the couple.  Life was full of challenges and opportunities as time went on throughout their 48 years together. 

   Kathy was a member of the Brownville Christian Church and served on the church board for many years.  She became involved in the education of her children and served on the District #34 school board as secretary.  She trained and served as an EMT with Brownville Rescue Squad for more than 30 years, transferring to Nemaha Rescue when the Brownville squad ended its service.  She also served as an officer for the Brownville Volunteer Fire Department.  As an EMT, employment at the Nemaha County Hospital became the next important phase of her life.  Starting as a nursing assistant, she worked in other positions, ending her career as a radiology clerk. 

   Medical issues plagued the last 8 years of Kathy’s life, limiting her physical movements but not her spirit.  Following a diagnosis of Stage 4 cervical cancer, Kathy chose to go forward on her own terms and came home to spend time with her family and friends.  Kathy was blessed with many special friends who supported her and her family through numerous health issues, hospitalizations, and recoveries.  Their visits, cards, hugs, and prayers helped Kathy keep her spirits high. 

   She left this world on September 21, 2023, reaching the age of 73 years, 11 months, and 13 days.  Those left behind are her husband Robert; children Deanna Gregg of Lincoln, Jennifer (Tim) Hartman of Lincoln, James (Jessica) Gentert of Johnson, Katherine (Paul) Johnson of Elkhorn, John Gentert of Brownville; grandchildren Morgan and MacKenzie Gregg, Millie, Grady, Heidi, and Ansley Gentert, Claire and Audrey Johnson; brothers David (Debbie) Harries of Wichita, KS, Jim Harries, John Harries, both of WaKeeney, KS; brother-in-law Roger (Sharon) Gentert of Wendell, ID; sisters-in-law Raylene (Jack) Dunn, Rhonda (Marlin) Joy, both of Stella, Rebecca Fousek of Montague, CA; her nieces, nephews, and their children because they are all “her kids”, her extended family, and her many, many friends.

   She is preceded in death by her parents Myron ad Ruth Mary Harries, father- and mother-in-law Raymond and Ruth Gentert, sister-in-law Roberta Harries, and brother-in-law Tom Fousek. 

   A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn.  Family will greet friends one hour prior to service.  Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville.

View Kathy's service via Livestream here.

Memorials suggested to the family for later distribution.