Obituary: Arthur Kent

As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:

Arthur Edwin Kent left us on June 25th, 2022  at the age of 91.  

Art was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 6, 1931.  He was the son of Edwin Kent and Elsie Kent and spent his youth, then affectionately known as “Petie”, on his grandmother’s farm in Bessemer Mi.

He attended Bessemer High School and played on the Bessemer “Speedboys” football team.

June 14th , 1954   Art, graduated from Northwestern University School of Commerce with Bachelor of Science in business administration .

The day of Graduation from Northwestern, The Army was waiting to draft him.  Once he explained that he was signed up with the Navy, they allowed him to go with the Navy.   Art always remembered the close call he had that day.

In the Spring of 1955   Art proudly became known as “ Kent Arthur E., ENS, USNR”   Evanston, Illinois  Northwestern University , B.S.

In 1957 Art was assigned to Med Cruise as “ Ltjg.  A.E. Kent,Department Head,   Supply”.

Art served on both the USS Achernar  and on the USS Waller during his service.

While serving on the destroyer Waller,  Lieut.(jg)  Arthur E.  Kent escorted British actress Diana Dors to his ship when it was anchored near Theole, France, on the Riviera.  As the article in the Evanston Review  July 18th, 1957 commented “The Riviera and Diana Dors, too.  What more could Evanston Lieut.(jg) Arthur E. Kent have asked of the navy.

After serving his time in the service Art went on to receive a Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University

Art was employed with Skokie Public Schools,  Oakton Community College,  Blue Island Schools,   Morton College in Cicero, Il. and as Vice President of Administrative Affairs, College of Lake County until retirement in 1996.

Art dedicated his entire professional career to working for the improvement of countless others through his tireless efforts in the field of education.

Art was a man who was filled with much wisdom and sound advice.  He was well respected by his colleagues and peers.  Always loving and concerned for his family and friends.  We, his family, celebrate his life and all his accomplishments.

In July of 1999, Art married Rosemary and together they built a home in the Keweenaw and enjoyed living among the great Upper Peninsula community.  He was instrumental in developing the Seven Mile Point Property Owners Association and served as Treasurer and Secretary for approximately 20 years.  “ Captain Art’ had many years of joy sailing the Great Lake Superior on his Yacht the “Magus. “  He will be missed by so many…

Gone before him were his parents, his wives Marie P. Kent and Judith L. Kent  and Sister Diane Saevig of Norway.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Rosemary (Mezydlo) Kent of Seven Mile Point Road,  Children, Roger (Lisa) Kent, Macomb, Il. , Victoria (William) Strawn, Bartlett, Il.,  Mark (Sandra Turnquist) Mezydlo, Mohawk, Mi., Lisa Helene Mezydlo, Joliet, Il. Joel (Marcelline) Pankros and David Pankros.   9 Grandchildren, Andrew, Nathan, Joseph, Sophia, Isaac, Nicole, Grace, Aiden and Claire and 2 Great Grandchildren, Janessa and Danika, additionally, one more great grandchild is on the way.  He is also survived by his specially loved Confederate and Cousin, Joyce Vomastek.   In Norway, there are Several Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews. Friends may call at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Erickson-Crawley Funeral Home Thursday June 30, 2022 at 3:00pm.  Rev. Nancy Auer will provide a prayer service.  Burial will be held immediately after the services at the Calvery Cemetery in Ahmeek. Online condolences can be left for the family at Erickson Crowleypeterson.com