Steven F. Gentry

Steven Forrest Gentry age 72 of Metamora, Illinois passed away at 2:15am Wednesday Feb. 1, 2012 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born May 2, 1939 in Peoria, to William Hessler and Margaret (Zieglar) Gentry. He married Sharon Schlich on April 28, 1962 in Peoria, she passed away on Sept. 29, 2000. Steve then married Mary Sharon Kiesewetter on May 1, 2004 in Metamora. She passed away May 2, 2011. Surviving are his children, Annette (Mark) Bailey of Washington, IL; Tim (Naomi) Gentry of Delavan, IL; Heather (Scott) Gunn of Las Vegas, NV; and Scottie (Shannon Douglas) Gentry of Peoria, and 7 grandchildren. Also surviving are his step children, Diane (Steve) Smith, David (Rhonda) Kiesewetter, Donna (Bret) Wernsman, James (Shelley) Kiesewetter, Timothy (Ranee) Kiesewetter, Patrick (Erin) Kiesewetter all of Metamora, and Brenda (Todd) Smith of E. Peoria, and 15 Step Grandchildren as well as one brother Dan (Gloria) Gentry of Norcross, GA; and one sister Bonnie (Lee) Gilmore of Daleville AL. Steve served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1957-1960 and retired from the Steamfitters Local 353 in 2000 after 35 years of service. He had a love of travel from the time he was very young. His mother once shared a story that the first time he wandered off was at age two. The desire to wander never stopped. Throughout his life, Steve ventured throughout the US and to international locations from Russia to Ireland to Italy. He loved hiking, biking and camping and spent many years discovering the beauty of U.S. National Parks with his family. Steve?s easy-going nature was a magnet that attracted people to him. He never knew a stranger and made friends easily. He encouraged all to adventure more and worry less. He was a member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Metamora where a funeral mass will be at 11:00am Friday Feb. 3, 2012 with Father Don Roszkowski officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30am until time of mass at the church. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Mary?s Church.