Francis Kent

Memorial services for Francis Gerald (Jerry) Kent of Owatonna, MN, formerly of New Richland, MN, will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Church of All Saints in New Richland. Father Swami will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4:30 until 7:30 PM at the Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery . Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland Legion.

Mr. Kent died Thursday evening at the New Richland Care Center . He was 88 years of age.

Jerry was born April 2, 1922 in Estherville , Iowa , the son of John and Louise (Kobernus) Kent, the third of 10 siblings. He graduated from New Richland High School in 1939. On April 18, 1945 he joined the US Marines and was stationed in Camp LeJune . He received an honorable discharge August 16, 1946 at the rank of PFC.

Francis was united in marriage to Angeline Chicos July 17, 1945 at the All Saints Catholic Church.

His father was a farmer and during the depression years the family lived on various farms in southern MN. At one time in his early life his father worked for the railroad and they lived in California . Following his graduation, Jerry worked for various farmers and at the New Richland Produce Co. He and his wife purchased a farm near Trenton Lake where they lived for over 60 years finally retiring and living at the Country Side East Living in Owatonna , MN . He was an active member of the All Saints Catholic Church and served as a trustee for many years. Jerry was an outdoor person who loved to hunt and fish. He also collected antiques and at one time had a collection of over 800 caps. Jerry was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. He was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Andrew Borgen Post. He served 15 years on the Freeborn School Board and enjoyed attending the school functions. Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Waseca Council and also served on the Freeborn County A.S.C.S. Committee for many years. He also enjoyed playing cards with his Matawan friends.

In his later years he spent hours putting together puzzles, having them framed, and giving them to his family and friends carefully choosing the right one for each person. Jerry took great pride in maintaining his farm site and mowing the lawn.

Jerry is survived by his wife Angeline of Owatonna, MN, sons Jerry (Jean) Kent of Owatonna, MN, and Terry Kent of Lancaster , MN . There are three grandchildren; Christopher (Nikki) Kent of Rosemount , MN , Danika and Dylan Kent of Lancaster, MN. Three great grandchildren; Will, Jacob and Cooper Kent of Rosemount , MN . There is one brother; Donald Kent of Grand Rapids , MN , and sisters; Mary Wilder of Albert Lea , MN , Pat (Joe) Purdes of Champlain, MN, Jean Norton of Hill City , MN .

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise Kent, one son Robert age 4 ½, daughter in law Kathy Kent, brothers; Bill, Jack, George and Jim, parents in law; Thomas and Monika Chicos and brother in law Sylvester Chicos.

Memorials preferred to St Mary’s Catholic School in Owatonna , Alzheimer’s Assoc., Lancaster Public Schools or Hospice.