Ronald E. Gentzler

Ronald E. Gentzler

March 24, 1936-January 22, 2025

Ronald Eugene Gentzler, age 88 and-a-half, of Omaha, NE, the beloved husband of Joan (Beninato) for almost 64 years, passed away on January 22, 2025.

Ron was born in Omaha to Eugene D. Gentzler and Mary Rose Vocelka. His father fibbed about his age and was able to enlist in WWI at the age of 15. He was a career military person and retired at the rank of Major. Following WWII, he was deputy commander of displaced persons in Europe. He is  buried at Arlington National Cemetery, where his tombstone shows that he served in both WWI and WWII.

Ronald joined the Navy at the young age of 17 and served for 9 years in active duty. He was a Navy diver doing submarine rescues for a number of years, and his favorite assignment was aboard the USS Florikan. He then received training as a radarman and became an instructor with his last assignment at St. Louis, MO.

Ron and Joan were married February 4, 1961. He completed his Navy tour of duty at the end of that year. In 1962, he returned to Omaha where he attended Omaha University and received his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. In 1963, he also became a member of the Omaha Police Department, retiring after 25 years of service. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Program and retired with the rank of Master Chief Port Securityman on April 1, 1994, after faithfully serving for a period of 28 years. Ron made many longtime friends during his police and military careers,

Ron was an extremely witty and fun individual. His hobbies included: softball, golf, tennis, racket ball, bowling, and jogging. He loved following his favorite teams, the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He enjoyed a good laugh, a slice of sour cream raisin pie, and a glass of unsweetened iced tea. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, was a proud and loving father, and adored his twin grandchildren who were the light of his life.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Rhonda (John Harris, M.D.); granddaughter, Katie (Patrick McCarthy); grandson, Josh Harris; brother-and-sister-in-law, Dr. John and Barbara Beninato; sister-in-law, Mary Clare Beninato; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Eugene Gentzler and Mary (Gentzler);  Lester Geiger; and brother-in-law, Joe Beninato

VIGIL SERVICE:  Friday, January 24, 2025, at 7:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, January 25, 2025, 10:00AM, St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 200E. 6th Street, Papillion, NE.

INTERMENT:  Resurrection Mausoleum with FULL MILITARY AND POLICE HONORS.

Memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live Broadcast of the service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.