By Doug Spencer
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
  • Visitation

    Monday September 30, 2024

    10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

    West Salem Fire Department

    106 East South Street

    West Salem, IL

  • Service

    Monday September 30, 2024

    12:00 p.m.

    West Salem Fire Department

    106 East South Street

    West Salem, IL

    Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in West Salem, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Charles “Charlie” Dean Gentz passed away on September 25th, 2024 at his home.

    Charles was born in Fairfield, Illinois on June 29, 1959 to James and Floydene Gentz. He married Pam on March 12, 1994 and they shared 30 years of marriage together.

    Charlie was a lifelong Farmer and Truck Driver, owning and operating Gentz Trucking and the family farm, Gentz Farms. Charlie was staple at many West Salem events. He spent many years as head of the West Salem Chowder, donating more than just his time. He was member of West Salem Masonic Lodge 866, as well as Ainad Motor Patrol, York Rite Bodies, Hillbilly Shriners, and Wayne County Shrine Club. He was also a member of the West Salem Rural Fire Board.

    A friend to all, Charlie will be remembered for his infectious smile, laugh and his quick wit.

    Charlie is survived by his mother Floydene; his wife, Pam; four children Nathan (Kayla) Gentz, Libby (Jason) Bunting, John McDowell and Calvin Gentz; seven grandchildren, Maddie, Natalie, Aiden, Gavin, Olivia, Remi and Quinn; sister Marcia (Bob) Shelby; two nephews Luke (Hannah) Shelby, Caleb (Andrea) Shelby; several great nieces and nephews and many friends.

    He was proceeded in death by his father, James Gentz.

    Visitation will be held Monday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the West Salem Fire Department. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. and burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in rural West Salem, Illinois.

    Donations may be made in honor of Charles Gentz to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the Firehouse.

    Ingram-Meridith Funeral home of West Salem is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.

    Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at meridithfuneralhome.com

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

9 Condolences
 
  1. Curtis Ingram / September 26, 2024 at 4:47 pm

    Sorry to hear of Charlie’s passing. Such a great guy.
    You have our sympathy.
    Curtis & Dolores Ingram

  2. Gary Hall / September 26, 2024 at 5:14 pm

    Was so sorry to hear this news. Charlie was a great guy. I always enjoyed talking with him. He always made me smile. We are praying for peace & comfort.

  3. Glenna Hunley / September 26, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    Pam and family, I’m sending lots of prayers and hugs. I’m so sorry for your loss, will miss his laugh and smile, because you knew he was up to something. Deepest sympathy, love you all.

  4. Ted & Wendy Spencer / September 26, 2024 at 8:19 pm

    While I never had the privilege of meeting your father Nathan, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. The loss of a parent can be especially hard and we survive by remembering the good times.

  5. Betty King / September 27, 2024 at 8:11 am

    Prayers for the family during this time of grief. I didn’t know Charlie but I know and worked with his son, Nathan and Kayla. I’m so sorry for your loss. May God give you all peace and comfort.

  6. Terrisa and Lloyd Vaughan / September 27, 2024 at 8:52 am

    We met Charlie several years ago at Jr. Slunakers he always had a smile he was cooking chicken many times but always had time to talk he will be missed by so many. So sorry for the families loss and I know Jr. Is really gonna miss him as will many.

  7. Jeff and Kelli Huff / September 27, 2024 at 8:49 pm

    Sorry for your loss new Charlie since 8th grade lot of fun times will miss hiss since of humor we drank out of the same well many of time lots of fun

  8. John Simms / October 11, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    We had a lot of good times together lot of fun hell of a guy . Rusty simms

  9. John Simms / October 15, 2024 at 1:06 pm

    Good man sorry for your loss

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