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Written by Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal Reporter
Pat Gentz The family of a former Central Community High School teacher is throwing a surprise birthday party for her and is seeking any former students and/or coworkers to wish her well.
Pat Gentz of Centralia will turn 90 years old next week.
Gentz served as a teacher at Central in Breese for over 40 years, from 1958 to 2002.
Her family is throwing her a surprise 90th birthday party for her this Saturday at Northside Park in Breese, and is hoping that former students and staff stop by for a visit.
During a brief telephone interview Monday afternoon, Gentz, who has no idea that there is a birthday party in her honor, said that she thought that the students at Central were all "very nice."
When asked what her favorite memories were as a teacher, she said that she wished she would remember more, but it was a "looooong time ago."
She does remember that students would call her “Mrs. Gentz” or “Grandma.” It didn't matter; she responded to both.
During her career as a teacher, she was active with volleyball, scholar bowl, and supported several other clubs.
"I taught what I wanted to do; and it was a nice job," she said.
Gentz taught English, Spanish, and a little bit of everything.
"I just enjoyed it so much and I couldn't stay away," she said, adding that it was nice to share to the reporter how much she loved teaching and her students.
"If I can just live another 10 years longer, I will be 100 years old," she said, When asked what would she do when she does turn 100 years young — 10 years from now?
"I would just lie down and rest," she laughed.
The reporter remarked to Gentz that she would love to do an interview with her in 10 years, when she turns 100.
"You better remember to do that, or I will never forgive you," Gentz joked.
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Pat Gentz The family of a former Central Community High School teacher is throwing a surprise birthday party for her and is seeking any former students and/or coworkers to wish her well. 
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