Edward Gentrup, a deacon at St. Patrick Catholic Church for 47 years and a Fremont homebuilder, died unexpectedly at home April 18, 2026. He was 87.
Ed was born Aug. 16, 1938, in Beemer to Anton and Susan Gentrup and grew up on farms in Beemer and Wisner. He served in the U.S. Marines, graduating from basic training at Parris Island, S.C., in 1961. After returning to Nebraska, he met Dorothy “Dottie” Deegan in Norfolk on New Year’s Eve. They married Nov. 24, 1962, and later moved to Fremont, where Ed worked for Magnus Metals before becoming a homebuilder in 1970.
A devoted member of St. Patrick parish, Ed served the church in many roles, including co-chairing the St. Pat’s festival with his wife, Dottie. On April 1, 1979, Ed was ordained a deacon as part of the church’s inaugural class. He officiated at weddings and baptisms, ministered to shut-ins and inmates at the Dodge County jail, and mentored participants in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. He also supported Care Corps and was a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
Ed and Dottie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. In his spare time, he enjoyed water skiing, golf, gardening, and time with his grandchildren and siblings. His gift of laughter will be greatly missed.
He is predeceased by his wife, Dottie, son Alan Gentrup, son-in-law Rob Benke, daughter-in-law Kim Gentrup, a brother and three sisters. Survivors include sons, Gene (Patty) Gentrup of Liberty, Mo., and Sean Gentrup of Lincoln; daughter, Audra Benke of Cedar Bluffs; grandchildren Megan (Mike) Carraher of Gladstone, Mo., Abigail Gentrup of North Kansas City, Mo., Liza Gentrup of Newtown, Conn., Carsten and Tayden Gentrup of Lincoln, and Alli Benke of Cedar Bluffs; brothers Anton, Denis, Vic and Kenny Gentrup; a sister, Florence Ridder; and one great-grandson.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fremont with Fr. Walter Nolte presiding. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, with a rosary at 7. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials are suggested to Archbishop Bergan Elementary School, Cedar Bluffs Fire & Rescue or St. Patrick Catholic Church. Online condolences at www.mosermemorialchapels.com