Mary Beth Gentner

Mary Beth (Meirick) Gentner passed from this life into the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ, on February 5, 2024.  Cancer eventually took her life. Her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept her pushing through the pain. Throughout all her life, and the many challenges endured, she remained devoted to her catholic faith and committed to her love for Jesus.

While Mary's family grieves her loss, they choose to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 10, 2024 at St. Pius Catholic Church in Urbandale, IA. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Committal service will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Pius Catholic Church. Mary was a very beautiful woman and anyone in attendance of Mary's memorial mass will be comforted in knowing this was all Mary's planning and her final gift to you!

Mary Beth was born on November 26, 1964 to Caroline (Speltz) Meirick and George Meirick.  She married Steve Gentner on July 31, 1987. Mary's greatest love was her family as she was a proud mother of four, and three grandchildren. Mary felt perfectly placed by God in her vocation as a mother and wife.

Mary was a compassionate spirit.  Her true life's joy was helping others through her many years as a fitness trainer, but nothing compared to the loving care she provided two special little girls that call her Mimi. Some people only walk this earth for a short time, but leave an impression that lasts forever.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Steve; children, Megan Gentner, Tim Gentner, Dionne (Eric) Hillstead and Mercedes Gentner; grandchildren, Archer, Oliver and Baby Hillstead; mother, Caroline Meirick; sisters, Judy (Ron) Calzolari, Sara (Ed) Staiert, Angie (Mike) Lewis, Teresa (Shannon) Nitsch, Molly (Brian) Franta; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her father, George Meirick.

Mary lived a very disciplined lifestyle. Even in her last days, at a time when you could let all inhibitions go, she still could not be convinced to eat white bread.