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Kenneth D. Genthe, 73, Syracuse, died Sunday, April 20, 2008 at BryanLGH West, Lincoln. He was born July 7, 1934 on a farm in Unadilla to Frank J. and Melinda J. (Weber) Genthe. Kenneth was known to many as Buck. He married Linda Bassett Jan. 7, 1983
A 1952 Syracuse High School graduate, he joined the U.S. Army in November 1957 and served until October 1959, stationed in Germany. He returned to Syracuse and did bulldozing for Engelbrecht Construction. In 1972, Genthe bought into Stubbendick Implement and eventually took over full ownership. He enjoyed his business and the people he met because of it. After he retired, Genthe went to work for the Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department until 1997.
He legally adopted his wife’s daughter Karri March 9, 1991. They lived in Syracuse as well as “the Cabin” by Otoe. In 2004, the Genthes retired fully to Syracuse.
Genthe was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While in business, he was active with the Chamber of Commerce and was a past president. He was active with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), traveling and sponsoring scholarships. Genthe received FBLA’s National Businessperson of the Year in 1981. He served 20 years with the
Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department and retired after 20 years. For many years, he would be host of a hog roast for the Syracuse Rescue Squad in appreciation for their efforts. In 1990, he was burgermeister of Germanfest. The Genthes were beginning instrumental members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Palmyra before transferring membership back to Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse.
Genthe enjoyed woodworking, reading Louis Lamar books, and traveling, especially to his yearly Army reunion. In the last year, he found great joy being with his grandsons.
Surviving are his wife, Linda, Syracuse; daughter Karri and Nick Henderson, Maryville, Mo.; grandchildren, Dayn Kenneth and Logan Ike; sister, Arva Stillahn, Syracuse; brother Richard and wife Margaret; brother-in-law Dennis Bassett and wife Pat, Prescott, Ariz.; sister-in-law Kay Othmer and Don, Tecumseh; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Donald Stillahn and Ronald Bassett.
Services are Thursday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at Luther Memorial Church, Syracuse. Pastors Paul Coen and Mike Widner will officiate. Interment will be at Park Hill Cemetery, Syracuse.
Memorials are suggested to the Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department that he loved.
Condolences may be left at www.fusselmanwymore.com
Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Syracuse, is in charge of arrangements.
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