Marlene M. Kent
Marlene Marie Kent, 77, of Clontarf, Minnesota passed away March 11, 2024 at the St. Cloud Hospital.
A memorial service will be held May 4, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Malachy Cemetery in Clontarf with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Clontarf Hall.
Marlene Marie Kent was born November 29, 1946 at the Swift County Hospital in Benson, Minnesota to Clara Mae (Bouta) and Charles Brandt. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Clontarf with her parents and five brothers. She had many fond memories of growing up on the farm. She loved spending time outside and with the animals. Marlene was baptized, received First Communion, and confirmed at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf. Marlene attended Clontarf Elementary School and graduated from Benson High School in 1964. After graduation she attended the University of MN in Morris for one semester and then moved to Minneapolis where she worked for six months as a secretary. She decided she didn’t want to do that for the rest of her life so she attended St. Cloud State University where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in 1969.
Marlene loved teaching and her first job as a teacher was with the Howard Lake school district, where she taught for five years. She then started dating her soon to be husband, Keith, and they were married June 29, 1974 at St. Malachy Catholic Church. They moved to Tyler, Minnesota for one year and then settled back in the Benson area where Marlene began a teaching position at St. Francis Catholic School. She taught at St. Francis for 25 years and over that time taught children in 6th grade, 3rd grade, 2nd grade, and 1st grade. Marlene said teaching was one her favorite things to do. After the St. Francis school closed, Marlene managed the local Clontarf Cafe and continued to do that for over 20 years.
Keith and Marlene were blessed with 49 years and nine months of marriage. In that time, they were blessed with two children, Charlie and Amanda, and eventually eight grandchildren: Alyssa, Jacob, Jax, Cian, Jameson, Rogan, Oakley and Clara.
Marlene was always very involved with the community. She was an active member of St. Malachy’s women’s circle, a catechism teacher for many years, a leader in the Clontarf Haymakers 4-H club, and always willing to help a community event succeed. Marlene enjoyed gardening (especially flowers), cooking delicious food, socializing with her friends, and most of all she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Marlene will forever be remembered as a kind, compassionate teacher, friend, aunt, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She never thought twice about helping someone in need.
Marlene is survived by her husband Keith; son Charlie (and Ann) Kent, daughter Amanda (and Nathan) Klucas, grandchildren: Alyssa, Jacob, Jax, and Oakley Kent, Cian, Jameson, Rogan and Clara Klucas; brothers: Chuck (Lois) Brandt, Robert (Barbie) Brandt, Richard Brandt, Dennis (Teri) Brandt, and Randy (Karn) Brandt; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Marlene is preceded in death by her mother Clara Mae and father Charles Brandt.
The Cremation Society of MN is handling the arrangements.
