James R. Kent

James "Jim" Kent, age 65 of Brooten, died Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 25, 2019 at St. Donatus Catholic Church in Brooten. Visitation will be Thursday, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at St. Donatus Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Sedan. 

James “Jim” Kent was born July 29th 1954, the third of eight children to Robert “Duke” and Clara Mae Kent. Jim grew up on the family dairy farm and attended school in Brooten. He graduated from Brooten and stayed to work on the family farm. He was united in marriage to Michelle Rieffer on April 15th 1984 at St Donatus in Brooten. Jim and Michelle began their family and a short time later moved to a homestead between Brooten and Sedan. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Sedan and later St Donatus in Brooten.

Jim found his calling in life as an agriculture salesman. He won numerous awards and formed everlasting relationships with many of his customers. Jim belonged to the Knights of Columbus , several nature and wildlife conservation groups, Boy Scouts of America, and served as a board member for Immaculate Conception and St Donatus parishes. He enjoyed hunting fishing, cheering on the Vikings and Twins, and visiting with family, friends, and strangers. Most of all Jim loved his garden and sharing the harvest with all.

He is survived by his wife Michelle, sons Michael of Brooten MN, John and Christopher of West Fargo ND, daughter Katherine of Sioux Falls SD, sisters Patricia Kent of Minneapolis MN, Jane (David) Eastling of Rancho Mirage CA, Mary Kent of Alexandria MN, Joni Hughes of Phoenix AZ, Kara (Mark) Kirckof of Brooten MN, and Margaret Kent of Brooten MN. He is preceded in death by his parents Duke and Clara Mae, brother Michael, brother in law Dru Hughes, grandparents John and Nell Kent, John and Lucille Chamerlain, and honorary grandmother Addie Gilbertson.

Jim was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his big smile, unyielding selflessness, strength of character, and generous heart.

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