Kent Peter Howe

Kent Peter Howe, 92, of Wayzata died Wednesday, October 7, 2026. He was born April 20, 1934, in Bemidji, the son of Paul and Mollie (Whalen) Howe. He graduated from Bemidji High School and went to college at St John’s, where he studied Math and Economics.

Following the Korean War, Kent served in Japan as a military code breaker, contributing to U.S. intelligence efforts during the early Cold War. He then went on to graduate school at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, studying to become an actuary.

He moved to New York to work for New York Life, where he met Marylyn. They were united in marriage in 1961 and recently celebrated their 65th anniversary.

Kent's favorite activities were spending time with family and making new friends, with whom he shared his love of bridge, golf, watching sports, and telling dad jokes.

He modeled community involvement, coaching/managing his children’s youth sports teams, serving on the City Planning Commission, serving as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister at St Barts, and serving as an officer in the Lions Club.

Kent is preceded in death by parents Paul and Mollie Howe, brother Bill Howe, and sister Helen Mary Wagner.

Kent is survived by his wife Marylyn Howe; 3 children: Kaaren Howe (Leilani Hotaling) of Ely, Kathleen Prouty (Jim) of Plymouth, and Kent Howe Jr (Sue) of Shoreview; 8 Grandchildren: Kira Howe Hotaling, Ketki Varsha; Eric Prouty (Rowan), Jamie Prouty (Isaac), Kelly Prouty (Tyler); Pete Howe, Josh Howe, Andrew Howe; 1 great grandchild, Cainan; his twin brother Kevin Howe (Mary Ann); and many special nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, October 23, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata. Visitation 5–7 PM Thursday, October 22, at Gearty-Delmore Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N., Plymouth, and one hour prior to Mass at church. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Memorials are preferred to: Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners.