Roger Harry Gentile

WAUSAU, Wis. - Roger Harry Gentile (The Bud Man), 76, a longtime resident of Pence died Friday, July 12 in Wausau, surrounded by loved ones.

Roger was born Sept., 1942, in Ironwood, Mich., son of Guido and Grace Gentile. He graduated from Luther L. Wright in Ironwood in 1960. After high school, he attended Wausau Tech where he received his associate degree in architecture. He then was employed at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Mo., drafting airplanes until he was drafted into the U.S. Army and honorably discharged.

Roger then went to work for his father, Guido, at Gentile Distributing in Hurley. After Guido's retirement, Roger and his brother, Michael, then became co-owners of the family business until their retirement in 2001. Roger was also the town treasurer for the town of Pence from 2001 until 2009.

On Nov. 24, 1972, he was united in marriage to Linda DeRizzo.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Guido and Grace Gentile.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, of 46 years; a son, Stacy (Laura) of Mesa, Ariz .; daughter, Holly (Jack Bradley) of Kimball; brothers, David (Nancy Rozhon) and Michael (Linda) both of Mercer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his faithful companion, his dog Sadie.

Roger had numerous hobbies throughout his lifetime, and he was an avid bowler back in the day. His favorite sport was coaching The Heart of The North softball team in Mercer. He loved his Green Bay Packers and loved hosting Packer parties every Sunday at their home. He was also a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed his baseball package so he could watch all their games. Roger also loved making family scrapbooks.

Anyone that knew Roger knew his love of music. He was often called upon by friends with music trivia questions and always came through with the answers. He loved his Classic Rock and Oldies and spent a lot of time listening to it and reading up on it. Roger had quite a few key phrases most of you are familiar with (none of which are suitable for print), except for everyone's favorite, "Whateverrrrrrrrrr"

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 20, at McKevitt-Patrick funeral home in Ironwood at 11 a.m. preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m. Military rights will be conducted by the Hurley American Legion Post 58. There will also be a luncheon following the service at the Iron Horse Saloon in Hurley.

McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, is assisting the family. For more information or to express online condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhone.com.