George Henry Dentler II

George Henry Dentler II

1954-2021

A charismatic and thoughtful man his entire life, George Henry Dentler II ("Hank") passed away on September 23, 2021 at his home in The Woodlands, TX.

Coming into this world in 1954 on a Spring day in Houston at St. Joseph's Hospital, Hank was not just the firstborn son of George and Sue Dentler. Growing up in the Braeswood neighborhood of Houston, he became a son of music, a son of football, a son of the Catholic Church, a son of literature, and a son of Texas. Joining the family later would be his younger sisters Susan and Lisa.

After playing football at St. Thomas High School, Hank began college on an athletic scholarship at the University of Arizona and then continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin. This would firmly forge a strong bond with the history of UT, his fraternity Delta Tau Delta, and the Longhorns faithful. Returning to Houston during his college years, Hank began working full-time at his father's beloved restaurant Pier 21. Always one to take the lead, Hank served as the youngest President of the Houston Restaurant Association.

With his first wife, high school sweetheart Joan Grigassy Dentler, he relocated and soon raised a family in Brownsville, Texas. 

They raised three sons in the border town. It was in Brownsville that Hank started his own career path in the seafood sales, a trajectory that would last 30 years. His career in the seafood business was in many ways the perfect encapsulation for Hank: a nod to his family's history in the restaurant industry, but with a curious eye towards the world outside of his home state. It was also in Brownsville that Hank extended his circle of lifelong friends with constant vacations to South Padre Island and recurring visits across the border to Mexico.

While his sons never played school sports like their father, the family shared a deep love of music, movies, and watching the Houston Astros. With a collection of books and albums larger than some public libraries, Hank cherished his time not only studying the classics but sharing them with friends and family. He was especially fond of rock, jazz, and classical music.

Hank relocated back to his native Houston after his boys were grown, where he married Kristi Ellsworth Dentler. Married almost 17 years, they spent time traveling the world, enjoying Houston theater and spending time with family and friends. Hank and Kristi also created a home for many beloved rescue dogs over the years, including Violet who stayed by Hank's side during his last days. It was at their home in The Woodlands, where Hank spent his final months in the company of an amazing group of people including his longtime caregiver Rachel Nobs.

When he left this world at the age of 67, Hank was not just a son. He was a father, a grandfather, and a husband. Hank is survived by his wife Kristi and his sons Matthew, Christopher and Patrick as well as their wives and his six grandchildren who will miss him dearly.

The funeral mass will be held October 14th at 11am at St. Anthony of Padua in The Woodlands. Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering immediately after to share stories of remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Theaftd.org.