Jane Catherine Gentzler

Jane C. Gentzler of Overland Park, KS passed away on April 14, 2026. She was born June 20, 1945, in Ottumwa, IA to Jack C. and Edith (Kennedy) Tincher.

Her early years and schooling in Iowa changed in 1953 when her father’s job transfer took them to Evanston, IL. In the summer of 1961, before her junior year of high school, another job transfer took the family to Oak Hill, WV. Jane was the junior attendant in the Homecoming court, and she graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1963. After graduation, she attended cosmetology school and earned her license as a beautician. In 1969, she moved to Lincoln, NE, and not long after, through mutual friends, met her husband, Norman Gentzler. They were married on December 4, 1971, and their life of more than 51 years together took them from the small town of Kearney, NE to Omaha, and finally to Overland Park in 1985.

Outgoing by nature, Jane was well loved by all who knew her. She loved the outdoors, and along with her husband enjoyed boating, biking, walking, gardening, and playing tennis. Although a beautician by trade, she followed other interests which allowed her time to be a meticulous homemaker and attentive mother - from working in a ladies’ spa during the aerobics boom of the early 80’s, to hanging wallpaper and interior decorating, and to providing in-home childcare. She never forgot her roots, though, and returned to being a beautician in the 2000’s, serving the senior community.

In her leisure time, Jane could usually be found reading her favorite authors or watching her favorite shows. She also enjoyed joining Norman in support of the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, or the Kansas Jayhawks, depending on the time of year. She also shared his passion for travelling mainly by train, and favorite destinations included South Padre Island, Chicago, the Ozarks, the Colorado Rockies, Santa Fe, and New York City.

Jane never showed anything but love and support for her family. A woman of faith and devotion, she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Jane is preceded in death by her husband, Norman, her parents, and her brother, James H. Tincher. She is survived by her son, Michael, her sisters Diane (James) Sutton and Barbara (Glenn) Blake, and her sister-in-law, Judy Tincher.

A memorial service for Jane conducted by Chaplain Nancy Campbell will be held at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, Overland Park, KS, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 2pm, following Visitation at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ascend Hospice, 4550 W. 109th Street, Overland Park, KS 66207.