Derwin Lee Zent

Derwin "Lee" Zent, 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on October 5, 2025, after a brief illness - a unimaginable loss none of us were ready for.
Born on October 13, 1958, in Williston, North Dakota to Robert and Angeline Zent, Lee spent his early years in the Rocky Mountain area where he attended an astonishing 18 different schools before graduating high school in Shoshoni, Wyoming. After a short stint in the oil fields, he found his true professional home with the U.S. Postal Service. There, he spent 37 years delivering mail, stories, and a few laughs - all without a single accident, earning the coveted "Expert Driving Million Mile" award before retiring in 2019.
Lee married his childhood sweetheart, Michelle, in 1981. The two spent 44 years building a life filled with love, laughter, and the occasional kitchen smoke alarm. Realizing early on that cooking would be his marital contribution, Lee dove in headfirst - armed with curiosity, determination, and an eagerness to put his own spin on everything. Over time, his experiments evolved from "memorable learning experiences" to full-blown culinary triumphs, especially once he discovered his true calling: smoking meats. In retirement, it wasn't unusual for Lee to fire up the smoker on a beautiful day, just because.
Family was at the center of everything Lee did. He loved his people - both the ones he was born with and the ones life brought his way. Holidays, family gatherings, and even simple visits during morning walks were his favorite kind of events. He lived for conversation, laughter, and connection, and could turn even a quick hello into a half-hour story swap. Whether you were family by blood, marriage, or friendship, if you spent time with Lee, you felt like you belonged.
Faith was also a steady part of Lee's life. A dedicated Catholic, he carried his beliefs with quiet strength and consistency. He found comfort in prayer and lived his faith through kindness, humility, and service to others - often without even realizing he was setting an example. Lee was a longtime parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, where his warm smile and friendly conversations were always part of Sunday mornings.
Never one to sit still, Lee had a boundless curiosity and a deep love of learning. He could often be found down a YouTube rabbit hole, mastering everything from garden irrigation to the science of the perfect brisket. He cheered (and occasionally yelled) for the Houston Astros, tinkered endlessly with DIY projects, and tended lovingly to his garden.
After retirement, Lee and Michelle embraced community life at Bonterra, where they made fast friends and faster margaritas. Lee joined the Garden Club, played a mean game of water volleyball, and became something of a legend for his self-engineered margarita machine - the highlight of more than a few clubhouse events. He loved living in Bonterra and loved the people who made it feel like home even more.
Lee is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughter, Amanda, and son-in-law, Pedro; father, Robert; brothers John (Jane) and Bob (Becky); and sisters Susan James (Leslie) and Carole Hedstrom (Brad); and his mother-in-law, Pat. He is preceded in death by his son, Andrew; mother, Angeline; and father-in-law, Jerry.
Lee's quick wit, generous spirit, and endless curiosity made him the kind of person you couldn't help but love - and the kind of presence that will be deeply missed, but joyfully remembered. His family takes comfort knowing he's been reunited with his son, Andrew and probably already reorganizing heaven's tool shed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony's Bread in Lee's memory.