Obituary of George E. Zentner

George Eugene Zentner, age 90, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Friday, September 14, 2018, at Parkview Heights in Garnett, Kansas.

He was born on November 29, 1927, at the home of his grandfather, Sam Zentner, where the family was living. George was the first of two sons born to John and Nora (Rudisill) Zentner. At the age of 2, they moved to another farm, west of Garnett, where he lived the rest of his life.

George attended Centennial Grade School and graduated from Garnett High School in May 1946. After graduation, he went to work at the Garnett Church Furniture Factory, driving a truck to deliver and install church furniture.

On August 19, 1950, he and Jeanine Henry were married, at Garnett. They were blessed with three children. In February 1951, George entered into the Army, serving as part of the occupation force in Germany until February 1953.

Upon returning from the Army, he returned to the Furniture Factory. Then working at Page's Grocery (when they did delivery to homes) until the death of his father in June 1955, when he took over the family farm. During his farming years, he also worked at various outside jobs, including Ben Miller's Chevrolet Dealership, helping Dr. Nesbitt, selling crop insurance for a short time. His carpentry skills were utilized in his work with Carl Graybill, and Lyle and Lelland Davison, building houses with Kenneth Aldrich, and learning the trade of cabinet maker. He also worked at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Plant during its construction and then at the rock quarry for a short time. George ultimately returned to the Furniture Factory where he stayed until retiring in 1989.

In retirement, his "hobby" was helping his son-in-law farm during the busy seasons. George served on the Rural Water Board, the Lyon/Coffey Electric Co-op Board. He was an active member of the First Christian Church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and class offices, Deacon, Elder, and Chairman of several committees, as well as Chairman of the Elders.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bob.

George is survived by his wife, Jeanine Zentner, of the home; three children, Mike Zentner and wife, Sue, of Garnett, Becky Blaufuss and husband Tom, of Westphalia, Sharon Pruett and husband, John of Springfield, Missouri; ten grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and one great great grandson.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, September 17, 2018, at the First Christian Church, Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Sunday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, Garnett. Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church or to Parkview Heights and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.