OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Lanette Janean (Beermann) Gentry, of Overland Park, formerly of Torrington, was born Oct. 1, 1947, to Lowell Duane Beermann and Wanda Elaine (Stoffer) Beermann in Woodbury County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed in the Salem Lutheran Church, Dakota City, Neb. She was raised as a farm girl and the oldest of five children: Karla Beermann Ahrens, Marlo Beermann, Fred Beermann, and Lowell Ralph (LR) Beermann.
She graduated from South Sioux City (Iowa) High School in 1965 and then from the University of Wyoming with her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Art in 1999. On Aug. 5, 1967, she married L. Wayne Gentry. Together they had three children: Travis Wayne Gentry (wife Tammy), Tyler Wade Gentry (wife Christina), and Layne Gentry Martin (husband Harold) and nine grandchildren: (Travis – Asher, Ella, Avery; Tyler – Tate, Ava, Alayna, Rayne and step-daughter, Mikayla; Layne – Blake and Brayce).
Lanny loved to teach and was passionate about children. She left her mark at Lincoln Elementary in Torrington by helping design the school’s trademark “pencil” entrance.
Lanny was also known for her spontaneous adventures. Rekindling her love for horses and the outdoors, she rode with countless trail rides across the plains of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas. Her infectious smile and warm hospitality were her signature brand.
She courageously fought breast cancer for 14 years, but on Nov. 3, 2018, Lanny succumbed to the complications of a damaged heart from years of treatment. She was surrounded by her friends and family during her final days as she peacefully returned home to her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Even in her death, she continues to give and teach. She has bequeathed her body to KU Med Center with the vision to help teach the next generation of physicians.
