Kent was born May 2, 1950, in Fremont to Norman L. and Joan (Vogt) Stork. Kent was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, north of Arlington, Nebraska. He graduated from Arlington High School in 1968 as a Regent Scholar and class salutatorian. He attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and English. He married Joyce Weinhold on December 29, 1970, at Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, Nebraska. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Henderson and was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Kent taught for one year in Lexington Public Schools before becoming a florist. As he left, his pastor gave him an African violet. It died within two months, but it changed the course of his life. He researched and soon mastered growing and hybridizing African violets. He opened Kent's Flowers, in October of 1977 in Arlington, specializing in African violets. In 2002, the couple began writing a column for beginning growers in the African Violet Magazine which led to the book You Can Grow African Violets published in 2007 by the African Violet Society of America.
In 1990, Kent opened a second store in Fremont, Nebraska, later closing the original location. The business closed in August of 2016, after 39 years of operation. In 2013 he was inducted into the Arlington Education Foundation Hall of Fame.
In preparation for retirement, Kent auditioned at the Omaha Community Playhouse in the summer of 2014 and went on to appear in a total of five Omaha productions. When the couple retired to Henderson, Nevada, he appeared in a role at the Theatre in the Valley, where he was performing when he became ill.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his wife, Joyce; sons Zachary (Janna) Stork of Henderson, and Nathaniel Stork of Weaverville, California; grandchildren William and Lydia Stork of Henderson; sisters Janine (Stan) Carlson and Kristen (Jeff) Hallstrom of Arlington; brothers-in-law Frank (Mariana) Weinhold of Madison, Wisconsin, Willard (Fredella) Weinhold of Bennington, Nebraska, and Alan (Pat) Weinhold of Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 2657 Horizon Ridge Parkway, in Henderson, Nevada, on Tuesday, May 9, at 6 PM with a visitation from 4:30 to 5:30 PM preceding the service.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017, from 4 to 8 PM with family present at Ludvigsen Mortuary, 1249 E 23rd Street, in Fremont, Nebraska. A family service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 8951 Co Rd 9, Arlington, Nebraska, on Saturday, May 13, at 1 PM, in conjunction with the service for Kent's uncle, Floyd Stork, who died January 31, 2017 in California. A private burial service at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery will follow.
Memorials are suggested for the LCMS World Missions, the Omaha Community Playhouse, or the African Violet Society of America.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Barbara Lorimor
Austin, TX Thursday, July 27, 2017 Joyce, I am so sorry to learn of Kent's death. I saw in my latest African Violet Magazine tributes and donations in Kent's name. I remember the wonderful weekend trips to African Violet shows in many states with you and Kent when I lived in Council Bluffs, IA. We always found a Lutheran church on Sunday morning. I know this has to be a devastating time for you, but I know you are strong in your faith and rest assured, Kent is with the Lord. BarbJeff & Laura Varadi/Cyr
Henderson, NV Wednesday, May 17, 2017 We attended the Friday night performance of The Art of Death and thoroughly enjoyed it. All of the actors did a fine job, but Kent stood out for the passion, wit and humor he exhibited. We so looked forward to seeing more performances by Kent. However, after reading his obituary it is obvious that his best performance was his life and passion for beauty. We know how sorely he will be missed by his wife and children, family and friends. Our deepest sympathy, Jeff and LauraMary Rose Algya
Omaha, NE Friday, May 12, 2017 Dear Joyce, I am so sorry to hear about Kent. He was such wonderful, kind and caring man. He was always ready to help with questions re the violets. You both were the violet book guru's. He was certainly in his element when he became ill. My heart aches for your loss. I'm sure you will have fond memories! My thoughts and prayers are with you! Mary RoseDixie Voss
North Bend, NE Thursday, May 11, 2017 Dear Joyce,My heart breaks for you. I know Kent is safe in God's loving arms and you will meet again. I just wish he had had a few more years with you and your family. I always said he was more than a florist, his arrangements were beautiful, even artistic. I NEVER had a arrangement that wasn't exactly what I wanted it to be. As you said in the Tribune "He didn't just want a beautiful arrangement ; he wanted it to be a work of art." How very true.
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Dixie Voss
Caren Lillie
Fremont, NE Wednesday, May 10, 2017 Dear Joyce and family...I could not believe what I was reading on the passing of Kent, in the article in the paper..I'm glad he did enjoy some time of his retirement in a place you two had chosen to be close to family and enjoy the grandchildren and Kent was able to enjoy the Community Playhouse there... His family will miss him dearly...along with many friends... What a beautiful smile he always gave to those coming into your shop. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this sad time. Caren LillieClaire Smutz
Fremont, NE Monday, May 8, 2017 Joyce and boys, i'm so sad to read about the passing of Kent. I haven't talked or seen you Joyce since you did Mary Jo's funeral flowers which turned out awesome. We heard so many comments about all the arrangements there. I'm so happy he had some months to enjoy retirement. May he rest in peace very awesome man and will be missed. Another great angel looking after us. Your entire family is in my prayers. I'm working at the Grand Cayman Island other wise you would see me in person at his service. Take care hugs. ClaireMic Jorn
Omaha, NE Sunday, May 7, 2017 Dear Joyce and family, I am so sorry to hear of Kents passing. Heaven certainly gained a wonderful angel. He will be greatly missed by so many, especially in the florist community. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I will always have fond memories of working for you both.With sincerest sympathy,
Mic Jorn