James Milton Gengler, 84, passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 22, 2024, in Mesa, AZ. Jim was born on March 20, 1940 in Brookings, SD, to Milton and Geraldine Gengler. He spent his childhood in South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Iowa, graduating from Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars, Iowa, in 1958. Jim proudly served in the National Guard for 8 years following high school. On August 7, 1965, he married Rita Ann (Barkley) Gengler in Clark, South Dakota, and together they enjoyed traveling the world and many adventures. He was a man of strong faith and a devout Catholic. Jim was involved in manufactured home sales for many years while living in South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota before retiring and moving to Arizona.
Jim had a deep love for fishing and cherished spending time with his family. He enthusiastically supported his grandchildren in their sporting endeavors, attending as many events as possible to cheer them on and offer encouragement.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Gregory Gengler. He is survived by his wife, Rita Gengler of Gold Canyon, AZ; daughter Leslie (Matt) Norman of Lakeville, MN; son Andrew (Tricia) Gengler of Medford, MN; grandchildren Bryant Gengler of Blooming Prairie, MN, Matt Gengler (Brittney McClendon) of Farnhamville, IA; Alex Gengler of Scottsdale, AZ; Elizabeth Norman of Lakeville, MN; Maria Norman of Wichita Falls, TX; Rachel Norman of Surprise, AZ; great grandchildren Caiden Gengler, Carson Gengler, Klay McClendon, Stetson McClendon. He is also survived by his sisters, Pat Vanderloo of Sioux City, IA and Kathy (Stuart) Melby of Brookings, SD; brothers Frank (Rolane) Gengler of Rapid City, SD and Mike (Mary) Gengler of Colman, SD: many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother-in-law Rich Vanderloo.
Mass will be held Saturday, August 24 at 1:00 PM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, SD. A celebration of life will be held at Montessa in Gold Canyon in October (exact date TBD.)
Leslie and family,
My sympathies for the loss of your father/grandfather. May the love and faith he shared with you give you comfort.
Our prayers are with the entire Gengler family. We met Jim and Rita in 2006 while in Az. Instant friends!
Rest peacefully Jim~ your family and friends love you and you’re forever missed ❤️
My sincerel condolences!!! Ice fishing trips to baudette with the countryside crew were always memorable/a heck of a nice guy!!! 🙏😔😔
Leslie and family,
My sympathies for the loss of your father/grandfather. May the love and faith he shared with you give you comfort.
Our prayers are with the entire Gengler family. We met Jim and Rita in 2006 while in Az. Instant friends!
Rest peacefully Jim~ your family and friends love you and you’re forever missed ❤️
My sincerel condolences!!! Ice fishing trips to baudette with the countryside crew were always memorable/a heck of a nice guy!!! 🙏😔😔