Lorene Guentz
Age - 95
December 1, 2023
Our incredible, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Lorene Ellen Marshall Guentz, 95 of Nampa, passed away at home on November 30, 2023, with loved ones by her side. Lorene was born on May 5, 1928, in Kuna, Idaho to parents O. E. and Ernestine Marshall. Her first years were growing up on the farm with her older brother, Kenneth, and younger sister, Eloise. She loved riding her pony, taking piano lessons and attending Sunday school. She was an excellent student and one of her favorite activities was "playing" school with her younger sister. Lorene was always the teacher. When she was in 6th grade, the family moved to Lower Franklin and then to a farm west of Nampa. She always had a summer job and was active at Nampa High School, graduating in 1946. In the summer of '47 Lorene met a fun-loving, handsome, ambitious farmer by the name of Gerry Guentz. Lorene was enrolled at the University of Idaho Southern Branch (now ISU) in Pocatello at the time. Multiple car trips for Gerry between Nampa and Pocatello occurred that school year. Although they were engaged at Christmas, Lorene convinced Gerry to wait before getting married, as she finished her two-year degree to get her teaching certificate and taught 4th grade for a year at Longfellow School in Boise. Gerry spent that time building his bride a new house at the farm on Southside Blvd, south of Nampa. The couple were married June 26, 1949 and Lorene took on the role of farm wife and mother with great enthusiasm and commitment. She was constantly busy cooking for hay men, canning, gardening and keeping up with Gerry's boundless energy to have card parties and go dancing! And of course, there were kids to raise: three daughters in four years - Kristin, Karen and Janet. The sisters would agree that they had the best parents a kid could have. They worked as a team and provided a wonderful childhood for the girls. It included farm work, a few household chores and lots of opportunities - piano lessons, dance lessons, 4-H, camping, family vacations and fun with cousins. Lorene still managed to teach part-time, enjoy her bridge club, serve as the Kuna PTA President, be involved at church and more. Lorene valued education and continued working toward her bachelor's degree in education, graduating from ISU in 1966. That year proved to be one of big changes for the family. They moved from the little gray house to a larger home 1/2 mile to the west on Track Road. This was the only move the couple made in 71 years together and where Lorene spent her last days. Six months after the move, Gerry was hit by a drunk driver, which took his legs, but not his life or his determination to carry on. It was Lorene that stayed steadfast by his side, managing the household with three teenage daughters while Gerry recovered and learned to walk again. She was unwavering in her devotion to her husband and family and highly skilled at keeping many balls in the air. Within a year, Gerry and Lorene were back to working together, traveling, having fun and even dancing. As much as teaching school, Lorene loved antiques. In her early thirties, she opened her first shop, Pink Parlor Antiques. Throughout the next 40 years Lorene developed expertise having several shops in antique malls, doing appraisals and managing estate sales with her friend, Kay Dunn. In 1981 she and Gerry took on the challenge of restoring the historic HasBrouck House on 12th Ave. in Nampa. , home to a restaurant, Gerry Guentz Real Estate and Lorene's Antiques and Gifts. Lorene and Gerry did a magnificent job in the restoration, leaving a legacy by saving one of Nampa's treasured, historical landmarks. Lorene was a member of Questers (historical educational organization), a 52-year member of PEO and past President of Chapter AX, a lifetime member of PTA and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. Her zest for learning, curiosity and her desire to contribute and connect remained with her throughout her life. While having her own interests and responsibilities, Lorene found time to also be "Grandma Lorene" to seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren whom she dearly loved. She attended her grandkids recitals, ball games, and activities, drove them when needed and babysat often. To this day, each grandchild has their own special relationship with their grandma. Lorene has been an icon of graciousness, resilience, friendship and unconditional love. Her 95 years were a blessing to all that knew her. Lorene is survived by her 2 daughters, Kristin Sample and Janet (Gary) Benoit; grandchildren, Travis Fleming, Suzanne Steenkolk (Mark), Trent Fleming, Rosanne Cabiles, Russell (Holly) Sample and Andy Benoit and great grandchildren, Caleb Frazier, Kinley and Kellen Steenkolk and Lilly Sample. Lorene was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Ernestine Marshall; her beloved husband, Gerald Guentz; daughter, Karen Fleming; brother, Kenneth Marshall; sister, Eloise Hershberger and granddaughter, Katy Benoit. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lorene's wonderful and compassionate caregivers: Phyllis, Donette, Sherrie, Debbie, Elizabeth, Sara, Leasa and Keystone Hospice. A Celebration of Life Serrvice will be held at 2:00 p. m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Southside Blvd. United Methodist Church, 5420 Southside Blvd. , Nampa, Idaho. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Southside Blvd. United Methodist Church or the Katy Benoit Memorial Fund at the Idaho Community Foundation (IdahoCF. org or 210 W. State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 Att: Advised Fund, Kathryn (Katy) Benoit Memorial Fund). An online guest book is available at www. nampafuneralhome. com
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