Kent Rene’ Verhougstraete, devoted son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and veteran, passed away from cancer on May 20, 2024. Born to Oscar and Doryce (Cross) Verhougstraete on November 9, 1946. Kent’s 77-year journey never took him far from his Lansing, Michigan roots. Every house he owned, every business location he established, was always within mere miles from his childhood home in North Lansing.
In his early years, Kent began laying the foundation for a life filled with life-long friends and endless possibilities. A graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, Class of 1964, and lineman for the Board of Water and Light, he soon realized his true calling as a business leader in the field of radio and television technology.
With a philosophy of respect and honesty, Kent began his modest beginning in his basement (quicky evicted by his wife to the garage) creating Kent Radio and TV. Kent’s dream grew and expanded, with all his new locations never more than a few miles from his North Lansing home. By 2000, Kent Radio and TV had grown to become KEI Electronics, a leading warranty radio center for GM and Ford. Kent retired from his dream business in 2000.
In 2002, Kent married Donna Robbins of Chatham, Michigan. Kent and Donna then began a retirement career as owners and operators of Valley View Greenhouse in DeWitt Township. (As you can guess, the greenhouses were located directly behind their house). This June would have marked their 22nd wedding anniversary.
An Army veteran, Kent was highly respected in the community and held the honor of being Governor of the DeWitt Moose Lodge 2291, Second Vice Commander of the American Legion Post 269, Haslett Chapter, and was chair and commander for the American Red Cross, Mid-Michigan Disaster Assessment Team. He was also a member of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and a proud supporter of the Michigan State Police.
Kent was preceded in death by his father Oscar I Verhougstraete and younger brother, Douglas Leon Verhougstraete. Kent’s memory will now be honored and kept alive by his loving wife, Donna, mother, Doryce Verhougstraete, son, Daniel (Michelle) Verhougstraete, brother, David (Cris) Verhougstraete, nephews, Brian, Brandon, Marc and niece Kathryn (Katie), stepchildren, Ron and Paige Robbins, Tammy and Brian Bates, Doug and Karie Robbins, Dan and Sandy Robbins, several grand and great grandchildren, and former spouse, Brenda (Barry) Underwood.
Not one to ever call attention to himself, it was no surprise when Kent stated that he didn’t want a formal service. However, (and he is probably grumbling at this very word), the family could not conceive of his leaving this world without receiving the recognition and respect he deserved. The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Kent, June 2, 2024, at the Dewitt Moose Lodge 2291, 15557 Old US 27, from 1-4PM.
Kent was truly a remarkable person, dedicated to his family, friends, and his community. He was a living testament to the value of family and a shining example of the impact ONE person can have on so many people. Kent’s legacy will always be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path in life.
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