A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Milford Gentz, age 88, of Lakefield, will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield. Burial will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in rural Lakefield. Full military honors will be provided by the Swen-Rasmussen American Legion Post #4 and Hanson-Ward VFW Post #4743, both of Lakefield.

A visitation for Milford will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield. Visitation will continue Friday at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield for one hour prior to the service, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Milford passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, October 31, 2024, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Lakefield.

Milford Gentz was born on January 3, 1936, to the late Carl and Olga (Krause) Gentz on the Gentz Family Farm in rural Lakefield, Minnesota, where he also grew up. He was baptized and later confirmed at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield. Milford received his education from Lakefield Public School, graduating from Lakefield High School in the class of 1953. Milford then enlisted in the United States Marines and served his country until being honorably discharged and returning to the Lakefield area.

On September 8, 1957, Milford was united in marriage to Janice Grunst at St. Peter Lutheran Church. The marriage was blessed with four daughters, Carolyn, Lynette, Sheryl and Jolene. In 1969, Milford and Janice purchased their own farm, 2 miles east of Lakefield and farmed until retiring in 1989. Milford then sold real estate in Lakefield until 1992.

Milford was lifelong active member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church in rural Lakefield, where he served on many church boards and committees, including Elder, Sunday School teacher, usher and trustee. He also served his community in many ways, including as a Jackson County Commissioner for 20 years, from 1972-1992. As a commissioner, he worked to improve the county roads and park system. He also served on the Heron Lake Township Board. Milford also volunteered in the Swen-Rasmussen American Legion Post #4 in Lakefield. He dedicated his time to restoring Heron Lake by being a part of the Heron Lake Restoration Committee. Milford was an avid hunter and fisherman. Milford and Janice loved to travel and took many trips throughout the United States and Europe.

On October 31, 2024, Milford passed away peacefully at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Lakefield at the age of 88 years.

Milford is survived by his wife of 67 years, Janice Gentz of Lakefield; three daughters, Lynette (Victor) Wedeking of Brandon, SD, Sheryl (John) Gaida of Victoria, and Jolene (Bryan Garrison) Gentz of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Matthew and Mark Wedeking, Rebecca and Ian Gaida, and Emilea Garrison; nephews, Alton Gentz, Greg (Michelle) Gentz, Mitch Gentz, and Nyles (Helane) Gentz; as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Milford was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Carolyn Dawn; and brother, Maynard (Irene) Gentz.

Blessed be the memory of Milford Carl Gentz, a good and faithful servant.