Chester "Chet" Julius Gensch

Chester (Chet) Julius Gensch, Sr., age 97, of Merrill, Michigan, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020 at his home. He was born on September 14, 1922, to Julius and Marie (Hutfilz) Gensch in Iva, Michigan. He attended Iva Lutheran School through the 8th grade. After that he helped his father on the family farm and worked for local farmers as well. He loved to tell about, as a young man, throwing sugar beets onto a farm wagon after slicing their tops off and various other farming chores that took a lot of strength. He met his future wife on one of these jobs, Margaret (Marge) Mary Mikusko. They were married March 25, 1944 and made a living farming. Chet served overseas with the U. S. Army in post World War II Germany. After returning home, Chet was eventually hired by Dow Chemical in Midland, MI. He continued farming as well as working the swing shift at Dow. He provided well for his family. Although he worked hard, Chet also enjoyed many activities like hunting, fishing, ice fishing and after retirement, camping. After his retirement from Dow he continued farming, in partnership with his son-in-law, Phil Neitzke. Chet also took up gardening, making apple cider, maple syrup and his family famous "red pop" which he made from the juice of his raspberries and whiskey. He was also known to grow and cut countless asparagus stems in any given spring! Chet is survived by his children, Chester Jr. (Ann) Gensch, Beverly (Phil) Neitzke, Susan (Jack) Ryan, Janet (Bob) Clark and Patricia (Joe) Tolfree; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; sister Dorothy "Boots" Demers of Phoenix, AZ; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Gensch, a daughter, Nancy, and his sister, Almeda Baranowski. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 20, 2020 at St. John XXIII Parish Sacred Heart Church, 419 South Midland Street, Merrill. Rev. Fr. Michael Steltenkamp S. J. will officiate. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Memorials in Chets name may be made to St. Judes Children Hospital at ALSAC/St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, St. John XXIII Parish, 151 St. Marys Drive, Hemlock, MI 48626, or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603