Dr. Phillip H. Gentling

ROCHESTER, MINN: Dr. Phillip H. Gentling, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at The Homestead. Phillip was born January 19, 1918 in New Orleans, LA to Gregory and Agnes (Postier) Gentling. Phillip married Mary Jane Holmes on September 9, 1942 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. He was a 1941 graduate of Tulane University and the Northwestern University Dental School in 1944. In 1946, Phillip became the president of Gentling Dental Clinic in Rochester. He was the President of Zumbro Valley Dental Association, President of SE District Dental Society, President and Board of Director of Olmsted County Toastmasters, President and Board of Director for Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home, President of the Rochester Mustangs Hockey Association from 1947- 1952 and a Board of Director for the Rochester Softball Association. Phillip was also very involved on the Board of Directors with the Rochester YMCA and Camp Olson, a member of the American Legion, Masons and the Eagles. He was a longtime member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he served as trustee and President of the church council. Phillip enjoyed fishing, playing golf, traveling, dancing, reading, knitting, needlework and playing cards, especially bridge and cribbage. He always held special memories of playing on the Tulane University football team in the Sugar Bowl. He loved spending time at the family cabin, which he built with his wonderful skill of woodworking. Above all, Phillip loved spending time with his family, laughing and creating memories. Phillip is survived by his four children, Dr. Kirk (Barbara) Gentling of Rochester, Dr. Colin (Lisa Clarke) Gentling of Eyota, Linda Gentling of Rochester, and Nancy Blatti of Rochester; seven grandchildren, Jason (Andrea) Gentling of New Brighton, MN, Nicholas Gentling of Rochester, Dr. Gillian Gentling (Ivan) Martinez of Minneapolis, Allyson (Tomas) Wolfram of Denver, CO, Sara (Brian) Fish of Mt. Vernon, WA, Heidi Blatti of Rochester, and Rebecca Blatti of Rochester; five great-grandchildren, Kirk and Blaine Gentling of New Brighton, and April, Cadence and Paige Gentling of Rochester; Phillip was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Jane, granddaughter, Gretchen; three brothers, Allen, David and Gordon Pete; son-in-law, Ken Blatti and daughter-in-law, Judy Gentling. A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday, February 25, 2012 at Bethel Lutheran Church810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00pm Friday, February 24, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at church. The Rev. Norman Wahl will be officiating with interment at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or to the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic 120 N. Broadway, Suite B, Rochester, MN 55906.