Norman K. Gentzler

Norman K. Gentzler of Overland Park, KS passed away on July 4, 2023.  He was the son of Leslie and Alma Gentzler of Portis, KS, and brother of Gene and Kenneth.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane (Tincher), and their son, Michael.

Norman was born in Portis, KS on August 15, 1938, where he spent his formative years.  He graduated from Portis High School in 1956 and after serving in the army, received his college degree in Accounting from Fort Hays State University.  Norman’s entire professional career was spent as a review examiner for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which took him from the small town of Kearney, NE to Omaha, and finally Kansas City.  He retired in 1993 at the age of 55.

Quiet in nature, Norman was well respected by all who knew him.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, biking, walking, and playing tennis and basketball.  He was a skilled craftsman and would always complete any required construction or maintenance project himself.  In his leisure time, he could usually be found listening to or watching the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, or the Kansas Jayhawks, depending on the time of year.  Though not a musician himself, he would share his extensive knowledge of big band and jazz and play selections from his collection of vinyl.

Norman also had a passion for trains.  He was an avid model railroad enthusiast and constructed elaborate layouts.  Any travelling to be done was by train, if possible, and favorite destinations included Chicago, IL, the Colorado Rockies, and Santa Fe, NM.       

Norman married his wife, Jane, in 1971.  Married for almost 52 years, he never showed anything but love and support for his wife and son.  A man of faith and devotion, he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.  Norman is preceded in death by his parents and brothers.  A memorial service for Norman will be held at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS, at 2pm on Thursday, July 13, 2023.