Dennis R. Gengenbach

A memorial service for Dennis R. Gengenbach will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hastings, Nebraska, with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating.

The service will be live-streamed via the First St. Paul's Lutheran Church's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/firststpauls

Dennis Gengenbach of Smithfield, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in Hastings, at the age of 76 years. He was born June 20, 1949, to Louis and Ellen Gengenbach in Lexington. Dennis was a steward of the land God had entrusted to him, and he cared for it with diligence, humility, and deep gratitude. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, and agriculture. He faithfully worked and managed a thriving farm consisting of irrigated corn and soybeans, along with pasture supporting a cow-calf operation and a farrow-to-finish hog operation. Farming was not just his livelihood—it was his calling, one he fulfilled with integrity and pride.

He was a graduate of Bertrand High School in 1967, where his class excelled as state runner-up in both football and basketball. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he majored in Animal Science and participated in the Honors Program. It was there he met the love of his life, Janice. The two married in 1970 as juniors, forming a partnership built on shared goals, mutual respect, and devotion. Dennis brought steady encouragement and focus to their studies, while Janice brought joy, balance, and a sense of adventure that enriched their life together. It was his passion to work with the University of Nebraska as an on-farm research site.

After graduating in 1971, Dennis and Janice moved to Ithaca, New York, where he pursued advanced studies at Cornell University. He earned his Ph.D. in Reproductive Physiology, a remarkable achievement that reflected his intelligence and work ethic. During their years as graduate students, they grew their family, welcoming their son Nate in 1973 and their daughter Darcy in 1976.

With a shift in the agricultural economy, Dennis made the decision to return home, bringing his young family back to the family farm in Nebraska. From that point on, he became known fondly as the "Doctor Farmer"—a man whose education and practical wisdom combined to shape a successful and respected operation.

Dennis was deeply involved in the agricultural community serving on various boards throughout the state. He served as President of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and served on many offices and committees on the Nebraska Corn Board, where he had the privilege of traveling internationally to represent agriculture and ethanol. In 2003, he was honored with induction into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement, recognizing his lifelong contributions to the industry.

In the community he served on the Bertrand Community School Board, as well as a 4-H leader and on the Gosper County Extension Board.  In addition to serving on the Phelps Gosper Livestock Feeders Board, he was active in the Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska.  His passion was working with the various genetics of cattle and swine.  He leaves his legacy with the enjoyment of his Red Angus Cattle herd.

Faith was central to Dennis's life. He was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska, and also worshipped at First St. Paul's Lutheran Church while in Hastings. He served on the Nebraska Campus Ministry Team and the Nebraska Synod Rural Ministry Task Force and hosted seminarians for a rural immersion experience.

Dennis served on the ELCA Rural Task Force for the National Church Office and participated in the ELCA Conference on Poverty and Wealth, and has worked in consultation with the ELCA on the GMO issue.

Above all, Dennis treasured his family. He is survived by his wife, Janice; his son, Nate, and wife, Nikki, of Hastings; his daughter, Darcy, of Gering; five grandchildren:  Micah, Hannah, Macy, Maxwell, and Clare; his sisters: Marilynn Andreasen (Dave) and Debra Henderson (Dick); an Aunt Shirley Gengenbach; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Threads of Grace in Hastings or to the family for future designation.

A memorial book signing will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bertrand, Nebraska, with the family present.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.