Bernard "Bernie" W. Gentz, age 64 of Arkdale, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at the Golden Living Center in Beaver Dam due to Lou Gehrig's Disease. In 2003, Bernie was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease, also known as ALS, which is a serious neurological disease that causes muscle weakness and disability. There is currently no cure for ALS, but there is much hope in research that someday there will be.

Bernie was born on September 30, 1946 to Hilbert and Sadie (nee Callies) Gentz. He graduated from Beaver Dam High School and later served in the National Guard following High School. On May 3, 1969 he was united in marriage to Katherine Luepke at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church in Hustisford. Bernie worked in tool and die at John Deere in Horicon for over 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his Harley Davidson.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Katherine Gentz of Arkdale; his children, Rebecca King of Madison, Jesse (JoAnna) Gentz of Juneau; three grandchildren, Elliott, Emma and Cody; his siblings, Priscilla (Albert) Sturm of California, Beverly (Mike) Connaughty of Beaver Dam, Sandi Gentz of Beaver Dam, Shirley Gentz of Beaver Dam, Bill Gentz of Fox Lake and Jon (Sharon) Gentz of Campbellsport. He is further survived by sister-in-laws, Patricia Gentz of Beaver Dam, Shirley (Howie) Schultz of Hustisford, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Allen, Raymond and Hilbert Gentz, a nephew Dean, and a great nephew Xavier.

A Memorial Service for Bernie will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. at Bethany Ev. Lutheran Church, 269 N. Lake St. in Hustisford with Rev. David Pries and Rev. Paul Tullberg officiating. A Memorial Gathering will take place prior to the service at the church, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.