Rex. E. Gentis, 89, of Bluffton, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 22, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Rex was born on March 29, 1936, in Bluffton to Daniel D. and Olive I. (Carnes) Gentis. He was born and raised in Wells County. He graduated from Petroleum High School in 1954. He worked for Franklin Electric for 19 years, before following his passion of farming. He farmed in Adams and Wells counties. Rex was a member of Wells County Farm Bureau and the Wells County Gideons.
On Sept. 9, 1956, Rex and Rosella Marie VanEmon Gentis were married in Huntington County. They shared 50 years of marriage before her passing in 2006. On Oct. 22, 2008, Rex and Martha Reinhard Gentis were married. They have been blessed with 17 years of marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Gentis of Bluffton, children, Rick (Laura) Gentis of Marion, Rod (Nancy) Gentis of Geneva and Ronda (Tim) Able of Indianapolis; along with seven grandchildren, Heath (Lindsay) Gentis, Hayley (Ryan) Murray, Courtney (Justin) Nicoson, Casey (David) Buchta, Daphne Capps, Ryne (Audrey) Able and Colt (Jessica) Gentis and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Rick (Sheryl) Lobsiger, Greg (Krista) Lobsiger and Michelle (Rainer Fischer) Lobsiger; six grandchildren, Damon Lobsiger, Dustin (Hanna) Lobsiger, Brook Lobsiger, Summer Lobsiger, Reece Lobsiger and Haley (Eric) Johnson; and four great-grandchildren.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Olive Gentis, and his siblings, Richard “Dick” Gentis, Joyce Byrd, James “Jim” Gentis, David “Dave” Gentis, Jack Gentis, William “Bill” Gentis and Arlene Dohrman; and a grandson-in-law, Cody Capps.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Clark Stoller officiating. Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton.
Memorials may be made to Daphne Capps, Rex’s granddaughter to assist her family, or Gideons, and may be directed through the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.