Carl P. Kentner
Carl Preston Kentner passed away on January 17, 2024 at the age of 98 ½ years. He lived a full life and went home to be with his Lord.
Carl was born on June 8, 1925 in Elkhart, Indiana, the youngest son of Chester and Pauline Kentner. He attended rural Indiana schools and graduated from Goshen High School in 1943. Upon graduation from high school, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed with Michigan Farm Bureau, then with Michigan Pharmaceutical Association and finally with Michigan Automotive Parts Association. Upon retirement, he volunteered for over 20 years as Docent at the Michigan State Capitol. It became his home away from home.
Carl married Doralee Powell on September 27, 1952. She predeceased him on October 7, 2013.
Surviving him are three of his four children and spouses: Lynn and Edith Kentner, of Lansing; Nancy (Kentner) Thane, of Caro; and, Thomas and Shirl (Kentner) Streukens of Murphy, North Carolina. Further, surviving grandchildren: Kathryn and Robert Swick, Sarah Kentner, Scott and Natalie Kentner, Curtis and Katharyn Kentner, Justin Kentner, Hannah and Christopher Zablocki, Dwayne and Emily Lindsey, Hunter Thane and Alexander Streukens, as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Along with his spouse, his son, Neil Kentner, daughter-in-law Connie Kentner and son-in-law Kevin Thane predeceased him.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Christ Community Church, 227 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI. Interment with Naval honors will be 11:00 a.m. Monday. April 15, 2024 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012.
Those planning an expression of sympathy or remembrance are asked to consider a memorial contribution to The State of Michigan/Save the Flags, attention to: Matt VanAcker, Director/Curator Save the Flags, Michigan State Capitol, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, Michigan 48909.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
13 Messages to “Carl P. Kentner”
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Mike Stears
January 18, 2024 at 6:03 pmSorry for the loss of a great guy. Uncle Carl has always held a special place in my heart.
Matt VanAcker
January 19, 2024 at 8:39 amCarl was an inspiration to me and all those whose lives he touched in his family, his professional career and also his volunteer work at the State Capitol. His was a life well lived and he will be greatly missed.
Pam Arbour Begoske
January 19, 2024 at 9:24 amCarl was a resident of Delta Retirement Center, where my mother also lives. I met Carl there and he was so pleasant and friendly. I would often see him sitting in the big living room there, and I would stop and chat. I loved hearing stories about his life. He was so very proud to be a veteran! My condolences to his family. He was a wonderful person who will be remembered for the legacy he created and lived to the fullest! Bless you all!
Judy Chamberlain
January 19, 2024 at 4:42 pmCarl was an inspiration to all who knew him. I will always remember his smile, stories and gentleness. He was so proud to have served our country. He really enjoyed his time as a Docent at the Michigan State Capitol. We know we will see him again. He is at home with his Lord and with Doralee, the love of his life. They were two very special people. God bless you.
Patricia Touse
January 19, 2024 at 5:15 pmSo very sorry to hear about Carl he was a great person enjoyable to be around, great sense of humor, interesting to talk to and I could go on and on but I am sure he will be missed. My condolences to you all.
Pat Touse
Paul Teszlewicz
March 13, 2024 at 6:12 amLynn and family,
Sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed talking to Carl at the Michigan Senate for many years.
May he Rest in Peace
Russell McKenzie
March 13, 2024 at 11:31 amLynn and Family, Our prayers and condolences go with you and family. May Carl have “Fair Winds and Following Seas.” God Bless
Craig Gleason
March 13, 2024 at 3:44 pmLynn and family, our prayers are with you and your family for your loss. He is now sailing his seas in heaven with family members with God at the helm.
May God bless all of you.
Craig Gleason
David D Dickson Jr
March 13, 2024 at 7:41 pmLynn & Family, condolences to you & family. I knew your father during my years working at the State Capital House Police Department. He was an inspiration to all and he especially enjoyed the thousands of students who visited the Capital during tours. He will be missed, R.I.P. Brother Carl.
Brad St.Aubin
March 13, 2024 at 8:16 pmLynn and family,
Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers.
Randy and Roberta Jones
March 13, 2024 at 9:39 pmLynn and family, our sincere condolences for the loss of your father. Cherish the gifts he provided in your lives and the memories he left in your hearts.
YOUNG AT Heart Singers
March 21, 2024 at 12:34 amCarl was one of the original members of the Young at Heart Singers starting in 1993 and active until 2023. YAH singers sang in well over a hundred churches and other locations and traveled extensively in at least 35 states. We got to know and love all the members well including Carl and Doralee until 2013 when Doralee died and Carl reduced his schedule. Now they are together in the home our Lord prepared for them in heaven. YAH Singers is pleased to contribute to “Save the Flags” in Carl’s memory
Jim Person
April 9, 2024 at 2:22 pmCarl and Doralee were members of the original Young at Heart Singers formed in 1993 by Marilyn Shaw – later Judy Ellis. Membership ranged from 25 to 40 until 2023. We “made a joyful noise unto the Lord and served Him with gladness” and made our performances a worship experience singing often locally and also traveling to or through 35 states on a large bus. Carl and Doralee were wonderful members who exuded enthusiasm and joy as well as talent musically, God blessed us with them and surely they are in Heaven for eternity and heard “well done and faithful servant” having brought honor and glory to our Lord. They were very special to us and we are pleased to contribute to the State of Michigan/Save the Flags in their honor.