She was born March 2, 1932 in Cumberland County, IL the daughter of Glenn and Verna Kingery Gentry. Alene married James Pals September 10, 1949 and he preceded her in death May 8, 1977. She later married Frederick H. Gutmann, in Pawnee, IL June 3, 1978 and he also preceded her in death, April 23, 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents, a son, Steve Pals in 2007, a grandson, Jeremie Pals in 1975, a daughter-in-law, Arlene Pals in 2008, four brothers, Ralph, Carl, Bob and Donald Gentry, and two sisters, Dorothy Hannah and Shirley Cisney.
Alene worked as a bookkeeper for many years at Franklin Life Insurance Co. retiring in 2007. She enjoyed crochet and made Afghans for each of the grandchildren. She loved to play poker and was an avid BINGO player. Early in her life, she and her sister Mildred could be heard singing at the Hootnanny in Greenup which was both broadcast on the radio and several times on WEIU-TV in Charleston, IL. She had an infectious smile.
Surviving are her children: Dennis (Linda) Pals of Mt. Zion, IL, Richard (Ann Marie) Pals of Effingham, IL, Sharon (Tony) Jackowski of Wonder Lake, IL, Kathleen (James) Lambie of Chatham, IL, Lisa Orton of Downers Grove, IL, Joni (Alan) Bernahl of Chatham, IL, James (Leila) Pals of Waterford, WI, her daughter-in-law, Penny Pals of Effingham, IL and her step children. She has 26 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters: Virgil Gentry and Linda (Mike) Schrock both of Greenup, IL, Mildred (Jim) Stewart and Dale (Frances) Gentry both of Casey, IL and Paul (Barb) Gentry of Charleston, IL. She is also survived by a dear friend, Frank Mazrim of Springfield. There are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation rites will be accorded by the Bisch Crematory. Private inurnment will be in St. Augustine Cemetery, Ashland, IL.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL on Saturday, September 15, 2018 beginning at 9:30 am. A memorial service will follow there at the funeral home at 10:30 am with Rev. Mark Gifford officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to either the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home. 217-544-5424
