Dean Francis Lent
Saturday, March 27, 1926
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Age:
94 years old
Saturday, March 27, 1926
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Age:
94 years old
Saturday, March 27, 1926
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Age:
94 years old
Dean Francis Lent
Dean Francis Lent
The delayed Funeral Mass for long-time Rochester, Minnesota resident, Dean Francis Lent, 94, will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, where Dean was a charter member, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 5, 2020, with Reverend Jim Berning officiating. A visitation will take place at the church at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. An outdoor reception will then take place at a nearby park. Please wear masks and maintain social distancing between household groups at the church, cemetery, and park.
Dean Lent died peacefully at home on April 8, 2020. Dean was born on March 27, 1926 in Easton, Minnesota. His family included parents, Frank and Helen (Traynor) Lent, and two older sisters: Ellen Ann (Lent) Madetzke (Gust), and Lucille (Lent) McIntire (Mick). Dean and his wife, Mary (Streit) Lent, were married in Mary’s hometown, Ipswich, SD, on September 17, 1949. The couple joyfully celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last September on a great and memorable occasion.
Dean graduated from Rochester Central High School in 1944 and enjoyed keeping in touch with classmates. He served in the US Navy during WW II and was deployed on the supply ship USS Randall in the South Pacific, including at the Battle of Iwo Jima. He joined the Rochester Police Department, where he served for more than 28 years as a patrolman, juvenile officer, and captain of the traffic department. He later sold real estate with the Hexum realty group. Dean treasured his family and friends and enjoyed interacting with a variety of people. His interests included being a Cub Scout Pack Master, where activities like “Going on a Bear Hunt” made for friendly, exciting meetings. Other interests included volunteer work in Haiti, helping others, building and fixing things (“heavy-duty Dean”), camping, and fishing. Dean and Mary liked to travel and were Winter Texans for 20 years. Dean enjoyed playing bridge, listening to music, including big bands and The Three Tenors, completing crossword puzzles, and telling stories.
Dean is survived by his wife Mary (Streit) Lent and four children: Judy (Lent) Aubrecht (Tom), Steve and Julie (Harnack) Lent, Dick Lent, and Tim Lent. In addition, he is survived by 11 much-loved grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews.
During this time of community need, memorials are preferred to the Rochester Channel One Food Shelf: www.helpingfeedpeople.org/
Condolences
The family of Dean Francis Lent has received the following condolences.
Mary and family,
We extend our deepest sympathies as you gather to remember Dean. From NE Rochester and St. Francis to Lake Zumbro and beyond, we have many shared memories with Dean and Mary and the Lent Family. We are honored to have had Dean in our lives. He always made us feel welcome and loved and respected.
You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Sandra and Vincent
My father Bill Sandberg got called to come and pick me up at the police station. I was 16 years old at the time, and visiting the police station for underage possession of alcohol and marijuana. Bill asked his good friend Dean to have a chat with me. Captain Lent grabbed me and slammed me against the wall, and said if I was smart, I would never visit the police station again. Captain Lent slammed me against the wall again, and stated if I wasn’t smart, I would visit the police station again (slam), and again (slam), and again (slam). Captain Lent asked me if I understood. I told Captain Lent that I understood. I made sure that I never visited the police station again. Thanks Dean.
Dear Lent family,
Condolences to you all with the loss of Dean. He was a friend of my parents, Helen and Louie Sell and my father in law Loren Marquardt. They had many social gatherings they enjoyed together.
Dan and Rita Marquardt
Dean, was such a nice happy man , was a joy to know and to talk too, I’ve been blest to now him thru my father who worked with him for so many years , and Dutch loved him very much. He will always be in my memory’s of being the upmost loving and gentle man I’ve known.
Mart and Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Dean was a kind and caring man and landlord.
Be well, Stay strong
Susan Franken
Our sympathies go out to the family of Dean Lent. I remember Dean and Great Uncle Frank coming over to visit my Grandpa Austin on the farm in Prescott Township. Then we all piled into Frank's car and headed in to Blue Earth to see Great Uncle Dick. What a bunch.
Please accept our condolences, yet congratulations too on a life well lived.
Rick Lent
Owatonna, MN
Dear Lent Family,
I recently learned of Dean's passing, I will pray for the repose of his soul and your family. I have fond memories of Dean and all of you and life at our house on 5th Ave NW. As we continue to celebrate Easter, we are reminded hat death is the door to eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Deacon John Hust
So sorry to hear of Deans passing. Its been a long time since we were part of Deans life. My father always spoke with great respect for Dean and the entire Lent Family, I remember many years ago of camping and fishing with Dean Mary Judy and Steve Lent. I remember working with Steve Lent at "mike's Drive in" in our teens. Wish all the Best to all of you.
Respectfully
Dan, Julie Randall
Mesa, AZ
Mary,
My sincere sympathy in your loss of Dean.
I have many fond memories of our bridge games together.
Respectfully,
Marge Rengstorf
It’s Easter Sunday early AM and I reading the papers from this week(finally)and come across the passing away of Dean.I was so lucky to grow up with his family and be able to
work in Real Estate each day at our business together.My mother Bev just thought the world of both Dean and Mary,at 90,she is sending her condolences today as well from
Homestead.Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lent family this Easter Sunday,Deans warm smile and twinkle in his eye were very special and will not ever be forgotten by us
all
Tom,Bev,Barb,Hexum
Prayers go out to you all as you travel this difficult journey. During my time as a police officer I was fortunate to have Dean as my Captain. He was always fair with his men and was well liked. May you find peace, love and light as you cherish your memories of Dean.
John Franks or as Dean called me Johnny
Mary, and family. Dean was always a gentleman, and highly respected on the Rochester Police Department. May your family relish all of those wonderful years, that he was part of your lives.
Steve and family,
Sorry to hear of Dean's passing, he was a good man (a Great living American) who lead an exemplary life, both as a Father and Husband. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Rich Galligan
Dean was a special person. I am sorry for the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather who was such a important person in your life. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. I hope your loving memories ease your loss and bring you comfort.
Below is a poem I wrote for my fathers 90th birthday.
It tells about a time when my dad was reading the paper and I wanted his attention and he showed me that patience is a virtue
A bright gold badge on his hat
Big Black Boots step in on the mat
On his hip handcuffs and a gun
Daddy's home it's time to have fun
Hiding in the closet for a surprise attack
Dad walks in I jump on his back
Down on all fours for a game of horsey
Around the room just Dad and me
You read the paper sit back and unwind
I punch the paper in the middle of its spine
You grab me I think soon I'll be dead
But you asked could you rub my head
Rub your head is what I do
I just wanted to be close to you
Now you're 90 and not 33
I still love my big-hearted daddy
He was a kind and patient father