William Barton “Bill” Gentzsch, 77, of Millersburg passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Parkside Manor in Columbia. He was born September 14, 1943 to Helen Selby Gentzsch and Herman Shipley Gentzsch. He married Nadine McClellan February 14, 1964.
Bill was a lifelong farmer. He bought his first combine at the age of 13 and never looked back. Along with his wife and daughter he raised Yorkshire hogs as well as Limousin and Hereford cattle. He was the president of the Missouri Limousin Breeders Association and a national director for the North American Limousin Foundation. He was also a longtime and devoted board member of the Callaway County Fair. He spent countless hours ensuring that the farm kids of Callaway County had a place to show and sell their livestock and exhibit their other 4H & FFA projects.
He loved kids and animals and rarely traveled without a dog. He bought countless McDonalds hamburgers for Australian Shepards, Blue Heelers and mutts. He always enjoyed visiting with family, friends and neighbors. Bill was happiest baling hay and feeding cows and did both up until a year before his passing.
Bill is survived by his daughter Shea Gentzsch of Millersburg; brother, Mike Gentzsch (Nancy) of Columbia; nieces and nephews Carrie Knudten (Kyle), Robin Elletson (Dane), Jane McClellan (Jamie Bowman), Melanie Czeschin (Jeremy), Brent Long (Tracy) and John McClellan (Chrissa).
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nadine and his sister, Judy Gentzsch.
A private graveside service will be held at Miller Creek Cemetery in Millersburg and a celebration of life will be held at a future date.
Memorials are suggested to Millers Creek Cemetery Association OR the Callaway Youth Expo c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.
