Russell Lawrence Kent

Russell Lawrence Kent, age 97, of Ogema, passed away September 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by family members.

Russell was born July 13, 1927, to Lew and Hazel (Lane) Kent in Ogema and grew up on the family farm East of Ogema. He graduated in 1945 from Waubun High School, where he was a member of the band, choir, and football team, and was active in 4-H. He served in the Army from 1946-1948 as a member of the 11th Airborne Angels Division, performed in the 1st Cavalry Division Band, earned WWII Victory and Army of Occupation medals, and was honored to shake General McArthur’s hand. He continued to play bass and trumpet with the Irv Lester Orchestra, the Commodores, Doc and The Scrubs and during Sunday services at his church. He met Ramona Jane Holzworth at a Church Youth Group function, and they were married November 29, 1948. They operated a dairy farm upon which they raised their ten children and were married 51 years before Ramona’s passing in 1999.

After retiring as a dairy farmer, Russell revived his childhood love of horses by training several teams of horses and participating in the Annual Tucson Rodeo Parade several years. He married Arla Bromander March 9, 2001, and embraced her family as his own. They had 15 years together until her passing in 2016.

Russell is survived by his children: Karen Lefebvre of Waubun, MN, Barbara (Paul) Lago of Oxford, MS, Larry Kent of Frazee, MN, Suzanne (Paul) Munsterteiger of Detroit Lakes, MN, Sandra (Michael) LeDoux of Gilbert, MN, Merry (Carl) Teiken of Waubun, MN, Robin Kent of Buckeye, AZ, Mark (Anne) Kent of Waubun, MN, Maureen Kent of Mesa, AZ, and Vi (Hershel) Kent of Waubun, MN; his step-children: Kathy (Ed) Blascyk of Cloquet, MN, Lowell (Debby) Bromander of Golden Valley, MN, Karen (John) Bilitz of Beaver Dam, WI, and Roger Bromander of Minneapolis, MN; and more than 100 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard; sister, Margaret; wives: Ramona and Arla; grandsons: Brandon Kent, Jason Lindsey, Seth Kent and William Runck; and several nieces and nephews.

Russell's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude and would like you to consider donating in Russell's honor to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of the Red River Valley, or the Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN.

A Celebration of Life for Russell Kent will be held at Circles of Faith United Church of Christ, 3188 US-59, Waubun, MN 56589, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 10am with Pastor Anna Larson, officiating. Burial will follow the Celebration of Life at Ogema City Cemetery with a reception after at the Ogema Community Center. An evening visitation will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm at the church.