Everett 'Kent' Poling

Everett "Kent" Poling lost his battle with lymphoma on Friday, Jan. 15, 2010. He died at home with his family at his side. He was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Randall, Minn. Funeral services will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Randall at 11 a.m. with viewing at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2010. Friends may join the family on Monday, Jan. 18, at the Brenny Funeral home in Randall from 5-7 p.m.

Everett Kent Poling was born May 10, 1937, to Everett and Grace Poling in Parsons, W. Va. His parents died at a very young age causing him and some of his siblings to enter the foster care program. He entered at the age of 11 until he was 17 when he joined the Army. He served in the Korean War and was overseas for 18 months. He went on to become a lifetime member of the VFW. A membership he was very proud to belong to. On April 9, 1966, Kent was united in marriage with Marie Ismil. During the next 10 years they live in various places, but in 1975, they moved to Fergus Falls, Minn., and bought Alcott Grocery a small corner store where the coffee was always on and the conversation came easily. This would let him do everything he loved working, conversing and being home 24/7 for his family. In 1984, they moved to Coon Rapids where Kent worked at Hoffman Engineering. A four-way bypass forced him into an early retirement but still couldn't slow him down. They moved to Randall, Minn., in 1994 to be near their daughters and grandkids. They started Amazing Days Elderly Foster Care, where Marie nurtured and loved her residents while Kent did the errands, upkeep and enjoyed visiting with the residents and their families. This was another place where the coffee was always on and the conversation came easily. He also worked part time at Fleet Farm in Baxter, Minn. This was a job that combined his love of sales and meeting new people. In 2004, Kent and Marie went to Alaska thus fulfilling his lifelong dream of seeing all 50 states. Besides traveling his hobbies included woodworking, restoring vintage vehicles, fishing and deer hunting. He was a devoted husband, father and grandpa. He was also a great storyteller and humorous practical joker but he would be the first person to offer a helping hand or give you the shirt off his back. His wit, humor and concern for others will leave a void with many!

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Marie; his daughters, Penny and Lori (Chris); and grandchildren, Justin, Delany, Devin and Azalea. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Audrey; his brothers, Leonard, Vinton, Duane, Gene and Jack. He is survived by his brother, Clark (Eileen) Poling.

Arrangements entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter, Minn.