Kent Gerald Genter

1962 - 2025

Kent Gerald Genter

August 2, 1962 - June 8, 2025

Kent G. Genter passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Sunday, June 8, 2025 after a long battle with familial amyloidosis. In the Fall of 2018, he became the second person to ever receive a dual heart and liver transplant at UW Hospital. This incredible donation and life-saving procedure, along with Kent's grit and courage, afforded him and his family six more years of laughs and memories.

Kent was born in Madison, WI on August 2, 1962 and stayed a proud Wisconsinite for life. He grew up on the East-side of the city, attended East High School (1980), and went on to earn his B.S. in Construction at UW-Madison. A passion for building led Kent into construction from an early age. He began shining helmets for Findorff with his brother Kelly in grade school and later became a senior project manager at the same company where he had a hand in constructing the Monona Terrace, MMoCA, Chazen, and other beloved buildings in Southern Wisconsin. Kent was an avid and talented baseball player, golfer, skier, hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, remembered for his ability to pick up anything he set his sights on.

On October 1, 1994 Kent married the love of his life, Jill E. (Rabushka) Genter. They raised two children together, Ethan and Isabelle, whom Kent loved deeply and regarded as his greatest achievement. Kent cherished sharing his passion for the outdoors with his family, frequently roadtripping across the country, camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. The chef of the family, Kent enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen and finding a good burger and piña colada wherever he went. A true lover of dogs, Kent could often be found sneaking treats to his beloved furry best friends, Nala, Benji, and Lola.

Kent will be remembered as a pillar of wisdom and strength for his friends and family, always there to listen, give advice, and cheer you on. He was a free spirit, strong but sensitive, charming, and effortlessly smart. Above all else, Kent loved to make you laugh with a witty joke or a goofy face.

He is survived by his wife, Jill Genter; children: Ethan and Isabelle; siblings: Fran (Marrianne) Genter, Kelly (Angie) Genter, Chris (Kevin) Orfan, Tommie Boyd, Sheri Hults, Connie Lubinsky, Sue (Marty) Kosobucki; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Betty Lubinsky and Louis Genter; stepfather, Dick Lubinsky; sister, Liz Boyd; and step-brother, Rick Lubinsky.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 20 starting at 11 a.m. at Temple Beth El, 2702 Arbor Dr, Madison. A celebration of life and luncheon will follow from 1 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Ave, Madison. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the UW Health Transplant Center, Amyloidosis Support Groups, or Amyloidosis Research Consortium.