John David Gentges, Sr.

John David Gentges, Sr., 84, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at River City Living Community surrounded by his family.

He was born September 3, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Rudolph and Vida (Morris) Gentges.

A proud 1960 Helias graduate.  He was a member of the first freshman class to attend all four years. 

He was united in marriage on November 25, 1961, in St. Thomas to Henrietta Boessen who survives at the home.

John was a small business owner, which included Gentges Roofing and Sheetmetal, and later was a construction consultant.

He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  John enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, barbequing, playing the piano, and especially loved his dogs.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou, and Helias sports fan.  In John’s retirement years he loved to golf and travel, recording over a million miles on 3 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. 

Survivors include his wife, Henrietta Gentges, Jefferson City; five children, John (Michelle) Gentges, Jr., Jefferson City; Julie (Dwayne) Clingman, Jefferson City; Jerry (Sylvia) Gentges, Jacksonville, FL; Janice (Steve) Houser, Jefferson City; Jodie (Steve) Maddox, Olathe, KS; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Nancy Backes.

A celebration of life open house (in lieu of a receiving line) will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. in the basement of St. Martin Catholic Church.  The family encourages everyone to wear their favorite Missouri sports teams attire.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9-11:15 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. Gregory Higley officiating.  Burial will be in the new St. Martin Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers/gifts, donations are suggested for a future cause in care of Henrietta Gentges.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com