Obituary

Kent Fieldsend left this world to reunite with his beloved wife and soulmate on March 8, 2025, after fighting a courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease. His departure leaves an unfillable void, but his legacy of creativity, wit, and unwavering devotion lives on.

Born on November 18, 1957, in Huron, South Dakota, to Neil and Geneva Fieldsend, Kent was the youngest of three boys raised in the small town of Highmore. Even as a child, it was apparent his aspirations would take him far beyond his small-town upbringing. Kent’s talent and creativity were boundless from the start. A true Renaissance man, he mastered countless musical instruments with ease. While playing the tuba in the University of South Dakota’s marching band, he also dazzled audiences with his piano prowess. His voice echoed on stage as he excelled in speech, debate, and theater among other creative outlets.

Kent turned his talents into a successful advertising career when he moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accepting a position with Lawrence & Schiller Advertising. His passion for creative perfection was unparalleled, once camping overnight atop a building to capture the perfect sunrise for a campaign. It was also in Sioux Falls that he met the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathi” Brick, while performing opposite her in “A Little Night Music.” Their chemistry was electric, and on July 3, 1982, they declared their interdependence, ensuring they would always have a day off following their anniversary. As two star-crossed lovers leading a life filled with laughter, creativity, and song, they continued to share the stage in productions like “I Do! I Do!”, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and “Oliver!”

In 1988, Kent, Kathi, and their two young daughters moved to Des Moines, where Kent took a position at Kragie Newell, which later became Integer. Despite his realtor’s serious (and warranted) concerns, he moved his family into a dilapidated but stately home that most saw as a disaster waiting to happen. Kent had a vision, and Kathi fully trusted him. Over the years, he transformed 517 43rd Street into a masterpiece, restoring it to its historic glory and filling it with life, antiques, and vintage instruments. The home, with its overflowing garden of produce, hollyhocks, and allium, became a Fieldsend family sanctuary for more than 30 years. Nearly all of Des Moines has attended at least one raucous party at 517.

As devoted Catholics, Kent and Kathi immersed themselves in St. Augustin Church, leading the congregation in song nearly every weekend for more than 20 years. Their voices were nothing short of transcendent, providing a spiritual experience for everyone in attendance.

In the ‘90s, Kent and Kathi welcomed two sons and expanded their duo of daughters into a mixed quartet. Kent’s children are a direct reflection of him: an artist, a caregiver, a teacher, and a writer. The love he and Kathi poured into their family was never-ending. Christmas gifts were stacked so high each year, it became a running joke. When asked why he was so excessive, Kent replied, “You’ll understand when you have a child ask you for something. You simply can’t say no.”

Professionally, Kent’s brilliance continued to shine. He became the mastermind behind some of the most memorable advertising campaigns in the country, including a national campaign for the Governor’s Traffic and Safety Bureau featuring his daughters that won him national awards. And most notably, he was the creator and iconic voice of the Iowa Lottery’s “WOO HOO.” To this day, Kent’s voice can be heard celebrating lucky winners with every swipe of every winning ticket across the state.

Life changed forever when Kathi was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009. He devoted himself to being her caregiver and advocate, showering her with the same devotion and love that defined their life together. When she lost her battle in 2010, Kent poured himself into raising his four children and sought respite from the grief through continued involvement in church and local theater by captivating audiences at the Des Moines Community Playhouse and Stage West in shows including “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Urinetown.”
When Kent was not on stage or behind a piano, he was an active Democrat, gardener, baseball enthusiast, Nebraska Cornhusker fan, and was lovingly called “Baca” by his five grandchildren.

Kent Fieldsend was more than a father, husband, musician, and creative genius. He was an advocate, a partner, a mentor, and a friend. Kent was a force of kindness and talent who made the world a little more magical, a little more musical, and a whole lot brighter. May we all aspire to be a little more like Kent, a man who understood that life’s beauty lies in creativity, generosity, and love.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents Neil and Geneva Fieldsend and his wife, Kathi. Kent leaves behind his four children: Hillary (John Krantz), Tess Johnson (Jacob), Willis, and Pierce (Lauren); two brothers: Rod (Julie) and David; and 5 grandchildren: Ruth, Franklin, Harvey, Lewis, and Harriet.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 13 at St. Augustin Church with a prayer vigil beginning at 6:30 p.m. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, March 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustin Church. The family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Iowa in Kent’s honor. They extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Broadlawns Memory Center, Bethany Life and Suncrest Hospice.

ILES DUNN'S CHAPEL

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Kent Fieldsend, please visit our Tribute Store.