Obituary: John Kent Jr., 74, of Elroy

John Kent Jr. Obituary
June 3rd 1950 – June 5th 2024

John passed away quietly in Elroy, WI, after a battle with cancer. John was born in Soest, Germany, to Anna and John Mesarosch. The family immigrated to Sullivan, WI USA, in 1952. They all became US citizens and changed name to Kent in 1960. John graduated from Whitewater High School and enlisted in the Marines in 1970. Married Sylvia Rhody; they had a daughter, Tabitha Dawn, whom he loved with all his heart. He became a certified diesel truck driver in 1978. He worked for Weiler and Co. in Whitewater, WI for 40 years, retiring in 2013. He moved “up North” where he had always wanted to live.

John was full of life and loved adventure. In his younger years he drove stock cars, was in car clubs, shot off model rockets. He became a skydiver with the sky nights, a scuba diver, loved to travel. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for mechanics, loved motorcycles and old cars. He loved the Green Bay Packers and driving ATV’s. He had been a member of the American Legion of Rome, WI. John truly enjoyed his friends, was a bit of a jokester, laughed a lot, and generally just had a good time. When asked what his philosophy of life is, he said, “make the best of it,” which he did.

He is survived by his sister, Karen Kent (Steve Ohman) of Janesville, WI. A significant other of many years, Laura Bass of Wilton WI, Laura’s kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, who loved John and called him PaPa John or John Muffin. Aunt, Ruth Mesarosch, Cousins, Michael Mesarosch, (Ashley), Melinda Mesarosch, Jefferson, WI. Monika Witek, WV, Mary Ann Sowa, Oregon, Hans Matthes, CA.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Tabitha Dawn Sazama.

A service will be held at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Whitewater, WI, Friday, June 14th. Visitation will be 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. with a service following at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Whitewater, WI.

Nitardy Funeral Home, 550. N. Newcomb St, Whitewater Wisconsin, 53190, 1-262-472-9118

Share This

Other Recent Posts

#FlashbackFriday with the Historical Society: The “Father of the UW-Whitewater”

Local Student Graduates from St. Olaf College

Free Gardening Workshop at the Library

Obituary: Marion Jauch Burrows, 96

Local Students Named to Marquette University Dean’s List

1970s Nostalgia Night at the Library

Lakeland Health Care Center Unveils Renovation; Community Invited to Open House June 22

The Arts Alliance Presents a Savory Sounds Concert on Thurs.: A Juneteenth Celebration with Kezia DuBose

WHS Class of 1956 70th Class Reunion

UPDATE – Jefferson Street Construction Project

Culver’s “Donate While You Dine” for 4th of July Festival – Wed. 4-7 p.m.

Community Foundation Action Grants Awarded To Four Local Organizations

Strawberry Stampede & Silent Auction at the Methodist Church

City Celebrates New Fishing Piers with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday

Piggly Wiggly and Early Childhood Center Considered for East Side