Dean Zent

Dean Arlen Zent, a resident of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, died on Monday, July 25, 2011 at the age of 49. He was born May 27, 1962, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Daniel Zent and Beverly (Boeder) Field. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Elizabeth, Minnesota, and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He attended the Fergus Falls High School. Dean moved to California in 1981 where he completed his GED before joining the Marines. He received an honorable discharge after a short time of service due to medical issues. Dean followed in his father’s footsteps, choosing auto body repair and detailing as a career that spanned over 30 years. He was a craftsman and an artist. Dean found love and on January 15, 2010, he married Kelly Peterson in a private ceremony in Belle Plaine. The couple recently purchased a home there and were lovingly renovating it for their family. He enjoyed sports, fishing, video games and remodeling his home. Dean judged no one and found something to be admired in everyone he knew. His mischievous grin and ready laugh were infectious and endearing. Dean understood the importance of family. He learned early in life that families are not made only by the ties of blood. They are joined by marriage, forged by respect, and most importantly, built on love. From the smallest to the tallest, each member of his family had a special place in Dean’s heart. His pride in his children and joy in their accomplishments knew no bounds and they were counted as his greatest blessings. Preceding him in death were his grandparents: Dan & Eileen Zent, Eddie Jones, August & Dorothy Boeder, and Viv and Fern Field. He is survived by his wife, Kelly, and daughters Ariel and Jeanette; sons, Daniel, Alex and Richard; his parents, Richard and Beverly Field and Daniel and Marion Zent; brothers: Kelly Zent, Randy Field, Tim (Cristi) Field, John (Heidi) Stainbrook, and Jay (Annette) Stainbrook; sisters: Bonnie (Keith) Praska, Kim (Bruce) Fuhrman, Dawn (Kevin) Bratlien, Fonda (Jeff) Knudson, Brenda Grundy, Lisa (Roger) Ross, Cassie Bitzen, Carol Johnson, Jo (Andy) Zulkoski, Jane (Ted) Cobb, and Patty (Steve) Dodd; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Life Church in Fergus Falls with Pastor Patrick Herzog officiating. Burial will be at Knollwood Memorial Gardens in Fergus Falls. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. In celebration of the life of Dean Arlen Zent. Always in our thoughts, Forever in our hearts.