Kent Edward Nathe

REDSTONE - Kent Edward Nathe, 60, passed away suddenly on Dec. 26, 2008, in Billings of a heart attack, with his wife Jeanne by his side. He had been waging a courageous battle against cancer this past year, including months of chemotherapy and reconstructive bladder surgery.

Kent was born Feb. 19, 1948, in Doc Healy's office in Flaxville. A freezing winter storm that night helped earn him the title in the newspaper of "blizzard baby." His mother, Saralda, had received an electrical shock from lightning while ironing clothes during her pregnancy with Kent. It was always a source of jokes that he had something "fried" before birth.

Kent was the sixth child born to Mike and Saralda Nathe, following four brothers and one sister. Nine years later, another brother would complete the family.

Kent attended grade school in Redstone. He was active in the 4-Star 4-H club, the Boy Scouts, and was an altar boy at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Outlook. When he was 9 years old and learning to ride his new bike, he careened down a hill and impaled himself on a Fordson front end loader tyne. Seventeen days in the Scobey hospital and a summer in bed left him with a new nickname: "Scar Belly."

For four years of high school, Kent attended the Assumption Abbey boarding school in Richardton, N.D. Besides distinguishing himself in the academic arena at this Benedictine prep school, he made the wrestling team, played the flute in the Abbey marching band, and was the school ping-pong champion.

The University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., was his choice for college. Once again, his grades were exemplary and he was invited to participate in an international math presentation, representing the Fighting Irish. This year on Dec. 24, he was excited to witness Notre Dame win their first college football bowl game in 15 years.

After the death of his father in 1967, he transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman in order to be closer to home. While there, he majored in Agricultural Economics and was part of the ROTC program. He served in the Army, mostly stationed in Texas. For many years following, he remained in the reserves, eventually reaching the rank of Captain.

Kent always wanted to be a farmer and rancher. Challenging as it was at times, he did live his dream, feeling that farming may not be always be the best of jobs, but it was the best of lifestyles. Kent's entire life was spent on the same farm. He farmed with his brother Dennis, and eventually became the sole proprietor of Nathe Ranch, more commonly referred to as the Five-Bar-Diamond.

In 1972, he married Jeanne Lagerquist of Plentywood. It was a life of mutual love, even during the hard times. He was her hero and she was his heroine. Their son, Judd, was born in 1976 and their daughter, Tara, was born in 1979. A grandson, Luke, joined the family in 2001. Truly, Kent's wife, children and grandson were his enriched slices of life and oh, how he loved them.

Following the death of his brother Dennis, his nephew Michael and Kent became inseparable farmers and ranchers. Mutual respect and hard work forged a lifetime bond between the two of them despite the generational difference.

Throughout the years, Kent was active in many community organizations, serving as President of the Montana Pioneer Manor Board, President of the Redstone Cemetery Board, a term as President of the Sheridan County Saddle Club and Secretary of the former Redstone Grain Elevator. Kent also served on the Sheridan County Planning board, the SCS Board of Directors, and was a volunteer firefighter for the Redstone Fire Department.

Kent's devotion to his family and his appreciation of heritage compelled him to make every visit to the Five-Bar-Diamond unforgettable for relatives and friends. He wanted those roots to be deep and connected. He always had reunions, picnics, riding, shooting, branding and farm work lined up to entertain and enjoy. He was the family's gentle giant, fiercely loyal, good to the bone and fair to the Nth degree. His droll sense of humor was unforgettable.

Kent is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jeanne of Redstone; his son Judd of Seattle; and his daughter Tara and grandson Luke, of Minot, N.D. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Della of Plentywood; an older brother, Gerald and his wife Patricia of Oakton, Va.; an older sister, Diane and her husband John of Huntington Beach, Calif.; and his younger brother Craig of Santa Maria, Calif. Kent is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom were especially fond of him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mike; his mother, Saralda; and his brothers, Duane, Michael and Dennis.

A Wake will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and a Mass and celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m., both at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Plentywood.

Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood is in charge of arrangements.