John William Kent passed away peacefully on December 31, 2017. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and was able to spend his final weeks visiting with family and friends.

John was born on January 27, 1929 to Walter and Eleanor Kuechle. He graduated from Valparaiso University in January 1950 with a degree in history. While pursuing an MBA at UW Madison in the summer of 1950, he met the love of his life, Mary Gilbertson. They were married on June 16, 1951 and were inseparable until her death in January 2016.  Following college he served several years of active duty in the army as a second lieutenant.  He then began his career as a sales representative eventually settling back in Milwaukee in 1956.  He worked for several companies over the years including Joseph Goder Incinerators and Economy Forms. He enjoyed being independent -- running his own office, traveling around the state, even changing his name from Kuechle to Kent in 1959.  He directed his health care and finances until the very end.

John was devoted to his family. He valued his role as a provider, he supported Mary in graduate studies and her music career, he was an active father with his two sons Paul and Tom, and he enjoyed family activities and road trips around the country. In later years he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Having grown up in the depression he was frugal and cautious but he remained generous. He was affable, had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories. It made him a successful salesman and a great friend to many.  He enjoyed history and music, and for many years he and Mary regularly played bridge with their friends.

His success as a salesman and investor allowed him to retire early to Ft. Myers, Florida where he and Mary spent time for nearly 25 years. They enjoyed golf, ushering at plays and travel around the world into their early 80s.  He had a strong but quiet faith and was active in Lutheran churches throughout his life.  In Ft. Myers, he and Mary were involved in starting Peace Lutheran Church. For the past several years he has lived at Kirkland Crossing Retirement Community in Pewaukee where he was active in community events, Bible study and other activities.

He is survived by his two sons Paul (Peggy) and Thomas (Ruth), four grandchildren (Christopher, Michael, Kirsten and Gretchen) their spouses, and five great grandchildren, in addition to his sister Carol Kelly (Kent). He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary and his parents.   A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 2:00 pm at Kirkland Retirement Center, 700 Quinlan Dr., Pewaukee, WI 53072 with a reception to follow.  Memorials may be sent to Presbyterian Homes Foundation or Peace Lutheran Church, Ft. Myers, FL.