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John ZENT Obituary
Spokane Valley - John Herbert Zent, 78, beloved father, grandfather, and friend passed away on May 12, 2024, in Spokane Valley, Washington. John was born on September 20, 1945, in Billings, Montana, and was the son of Harold and Catherine Zent of Hysham, Montana. He worked on his family farm and graduated from Hysham High School in 1963. John worked for Pepsi in Billings for many years before moving to Lewiston, Idaho to open Village Inn Pizza Parlor. In 1979, he moved his family to Spokane Valley to open a second restaurant location. After selling his restaurants he returned to Pepsi in Spokane for several years. John started his career in car sales at Utter Cadillac and then found his home working at Foothills Lincoln Mazda for 35 years until his retirement. John had just celebrated 35 years with his Friends of Bill W. John was one of a kind and had a contagious laugh no one could forget. He enjoyed spending time with family, watching sports, and having coffee with friends. John is survived by his daughter, Kelly Zent; son, Laramie (Mo) Zent; granddaughter, Kinnalee Zent; his former wife, Mary Jo Colvin-Kane.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Catherine Zent, and siblings, Matt, Ray, Gary, Dick, Tim, Jim, and Mary Zent. A celebration of life will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 2pm, at Darcy's Restaurant - Banquet Room 10502 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA. Montana Family & Friends: details to come for an interment in Hysham. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing or take a friend to lunch and laugh as that is what he would have loved.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John ZENT
John zent
June 26, 2024
Nice
A farmer and a restaurateur
Follows our Dutch history
Very nice a Zent
John w zent
Morgan Hill, ca
Jim Moltzan
June 6, 2024
Lot of good memories of John when we worked together at Pepsi Billings. Will keep the Zent Family in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Moltzan
Adrian Neill
June 4, 2024
Many fun times working with John, always someone you could count on!
Kay Verhelst Bratcher
June 2, 2024
I talked to John in late April when I was in Spokane Valley. I am glad that I had that opportunity.
I remember wonderful, crazy times when my Mom, sister, and I would visit Hysham - the Zent household was always the center of action.
John, you will be missed by all that had the good fortune to know you.
Prayers for the family!
Gerri Rouane
June 2, 2024
I remember playing with him as a kid in Hysham, Montana with my sisters at Grandpa Charlie Carroll's home with all our Zents cousins! Special time always! Gerri Carroll Rouane..God bless you all.
Raymond Kish
May 22, 2024
John has always treated me more like a brother than an owner of Foothills Lincoln Mazda for the 35 years we shared together. As a single individual he joyfully served more customers than any one single employee. John built an owner base of families, not just single customers. He was always willing to do "the hard stuff " others found too difficult to tackle. He simply never used the word"No" ! No request was ever denied! Even after retirement, he continually was welcomed back as family! You are so appreciated as a most significant employee, dear friend & considered a brother. Keep those smiles active in heaven; I know we´ll meet again. With love, respect & the deepest of appreciation, Ray Kish, Owner Foothills Lincoln Mazda.
Bea Marr
May 21, 2024
I will think of you often, Johnny! You were definitely one of a kind.
Chris Marr
May 20, 2024
Godspeed Johnny.
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