Central Oregonian

Lester “Joe” Kentner

January 31, 2013

Lester “Joe” Kentner, a lifetime resident of Central Oregon, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday Jan. 26. He was 72.

Joe was born in Bend, Ore. on May 12, 1940 to Harold and Phyllis Kentner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Shelly Lynn Kentner, a brother Harold Kentner, and a sister Lois Schulz.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Joyce Kentner; children, Gary and Michelle Kentner of Prineville, Ore., Todd and Gretchen Kentner of Alfalfa, Ore, Dan Kentner of Prineville, Ore.; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren; brothers, Delmar Kentner of Elmer City, Wash., Larry Kentner of Bend, Ore., and Don Kentner of Terrebonne, Ore.

Joe was a member of the Prineville Church of Christ.

He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic for Brooks-Scanlon for many years, as well as Bend Aggregate and Paving Company. Joe owned and operated Bend Lock and Key, Country Pet Shop, and Kentner Backhoe Service for many years until he retired due to health problems.

Joe was a vintage and classic car enthusiast. He was president of the High Desert Model A Club for several years and was a member of the Central Oregon Old Car Club. He eagerly anticipated going to car swaps in the Oregon and Washington circuit.

He had many hobbies including gardening, oil painting, antique restorations, custom upholstery, birds, and farming. He was a brilliant man who was admired by all for his many talents and abilities. He restored many cars for people all over the Northwest. He was well-known and respected as a kind and knowledgeable person with exceptional innovative mechanical abilities and fine craftsmanship.

Joe will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Now he is safe in the arms of Jesus.

A Memorial Service will be Saturday, Feb. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Prineville Church of Christ, 1095 N.E. Third St., Prineville, Ore.

Autumn Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, 541-504-9485. Autumnfunerals.net