Kent Pech

Kenton (Kent) Pech, 67, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 11, 2021, with his family by his side. What would Kent have said about his life? He would have smiled softly and said… “I have a plan.”

Kent was born in Iowa City, Iowa in 1954 to Eugene and Marie Pech. He graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and went on to attend college at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Kent finished his college career at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa, where he met Coleen, his future wife and mother of his children. It was also during this time that Kent began his life-long career in retail, working as a buyer for local department stores. Kent went on to become a gifted sales leader with strong personal connections at the highest level of retail management across many channels of distribution for Lee Jeans and VF Jeanswear. He retired as Vice President, Retail Marketing after 37 years with Lee Jeans / VF.

Kent was married to Coleen for 44 years and they had three sons and four grandchildren. Kent’s infectious smile and calm demeanor always made everyone feel welcomed. He had a natural talent for organizing social gatherings and reunions in order to be around those he loved and cared for so dearly. Kent was nicknamed by his close friends as “Pechski” giving tribute to his Polish heritage. Humor and sarcasm were Kent’s way of life at play and at work. There are too many Kent-isms to name them all, but the most memorable of them all might be… “BOAT-O-RAMA”, “SIMONIZE your watches”, “Wheels up” and “You be looking so bad, …You be looking good.”

In recent years, Kent and Coleen spent time in Florida, Kansas and Missouri. Kent was an accomplished golfer and was always setting up the next tee time or golf trip with his buddies. Throughout his entire life, Kent also had a distinct passion and desire to be on or near the water as much as possible. He always looked forward to being one of the first out on the water in the early mornings when the water would be calm and as ‘smooth as glass,’ only to end each evening aboard one of his signature ‘sunset cruises.’

Kent is survived by his wife, Coleen, his sons, Luke Pech (wife, Angela), Mason Pech and Alex Pech in addition to four grandchildren. Kent seemingly always “had a plan”, whether for dinner, projects, social gatherings, or travel, but it is evident that God had different, yet greater plans for Kent and his journey.

Kent will always be remembered as an incredible family man and genuine friend to many. While Kent left us all far too soon, his family and friends will take solace in knowing that he will never be forgotten, as he truly gave this world so much to remember.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family request donations be made in Kent’s honor to; “Tunnel To Towers Foundation” (https://t2t.org/donate/), and/or your local food bank or hospice center.