In Remembrance

Kent Arthur Giese of Duluth passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Solvay Hospice House.

A farm boy from southwest Minnesota, he joined the US Navy after graduating from Jeffers high school and served four years on the U.S.S. John Willis DE1027.  He was a proud veteran and loved his country. He, a Lutheran sailor, married Mary Lackey, a Methodist Preacher’s kid, in 1964 and “the rest is history”, as he would say.   His faith was life-long and he was an active and engaged member of First United Methodist Church Duluth. His business career included management for the Groves Kelco Co., Goldfines by the Bridge, Nabor’s Drug and the Al Sandstrom Co.  In 1988 he and Mary achieved their goal of owning a Tupperware franchise, Dream Tree Party Sales, in Duluth (“..burp..”).  Yes, we burped the bowls and treasure the memories of countless managers, consultants and party-goers.

Kent loved spending time with his family, hunting and fishing, all things hockey (“…get ready, Goalie!..”), and the Minnesota Vikings (..sigh..). To his horseshoe pals, “remember that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades”. To his fellow golfers, “it’s been a slice”.  He happily served as the Neighborhood Enforcer under West 8^th St. Mayor Mr. Bill.  When playing cards, marbles and dominoes he often said, “It’s not about winning, it’s about food, fun and fellowship”.  He most enjoyed saying this when he won.  Especially in marbles.  Gardening at home, the church gardens and the Hortus Garden was always better when there was coffee or a potluck afterwards.  He had great respect for others and was respected and loved in return.  Kent will be deeply missed, never to be forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur (Buck) and Ella (Krahn) Giese, brothers Dallas (Butch) and Arthur (Chip). He leaves behind Mary, wife of 59 years, Daughters Elizabeth (Bethy) Whiteford and Stephanie Giese, Granddaughter Heather DeVries and her husband John, great grandchildren Gracelyn, Kendalyn, and Clayton, and many friends and extended  family, near and far, that were  important  in his life.

The family is grateful for the incomparable care Kent received at Essentia Health from Dr. Bret Friday and the entire Oncology team, the extended Care Team of doctors, nurses, CNAs, aides, and everyone. When the decision of hospice care was made, Kent was truly blessed to feel at home at Solvay Hospice House for his end-of-life care. The amazing facility and staff took great care of every need and wish.

Kent’s favorite hymn by Natalie Sleeth, “Hymn of Promise”, takes us through our earthly life from beginning to end and on to heaven’s door.  We share it with you.

“In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise; butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.  There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody; there’s a dawn in every darkness bringing hope to you and me.  From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.  In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity; in our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity.  In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see. “

A private service and burial will be held at the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery Duluth.