Kent Stump

Kent Stump, 72, of Rapid City, SD, formerly of Dunnell and Jackson, MN, passed away peacefully the afternoon of April 20, 2026, in Austin, MN, with family by his side.

The son of Earl and Patricia (Lockard) Stump, Kent was born in Estherville, IA, and raised on a farm in rural Dunnell, MN, with his 4 sisters and 1 brother. The family attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dunnell. Growing up, Kent was involved in the family farm with his dad and grandpa. Raising crops, cattle and hogs, farming was in his blood. Always the fixer, he learned how to weld in college in Emmetsburg, IA after graduating from Sherburn High School in 1971.

In 1974, Kent married Sue (Lusk) Anderson and together they raised 3 children, Ryan, Brad, and Jamie on a farm near Alpha, MN. While continuing to work on the family farm, Kent spent his winters as a mechanic and welder. Together as a family they enjoyed bowling, racing, camping, boating, and fishing. In 1993, Cassie (Disney) Mackenzie from Australia became part of the family through the AFS program after spending a year in the family's home and forever became a part of their lives. When Kent and Sue divorced in 1999, Kent took advantage of an opportunity for a fresh start. He sold his equipment and got out of farming. He started doing flooring work, mainly ceramic tiling, with Les Opheim of Jackson. It turns out he was really good at what he did. His talents took him to Rapid City, SD, and he quickly became regarded as a skilled craftsman and his work was in high demand. The Stump Tile truck could be seen all over the Black Hills with Kent's sweat and fingerprints adorning some beautiful work.

One lucky night in 2000, Kent laid eyes on Elizabeth Bement and his life was forever changed. Quickly becoming best friends, they fell in love and were married on November 13, 2003, on the beautiful Hawaiian Island of Oahu. For the next 22 years they truly loved doing life together, spending nights ballroom dancing to the Waltz and Texas 2 Step. The Moose Club was an important part of their lives creating friendships and fun with Kent even earning "Moose of the Year'' in 2013. Kent was an active member of The Knights of Columbus and loved his church. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City and their large group of active, close-knit friends, provided so many wonderful memories for Kent and Beth. His greatest joy though was riding his Harley through the Black Hills of South Dakota with his best friend on the back, just soaking up one of God's beautiful creations. Beth has often said, "I just wish I would have known Kent sooner, so I could have loved him longer.'' Beth and those hills will always hold a special place in Kent's family's hearts.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Pat Stump; grandparents, Forrest and Clara Stump, and Ray and Lydia Lockard; as well as sisters, Karen Worthley and Kay Madsen; brother, Kip Stump; and granddaughter, Natalie Stump.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Beth; three children, Ryan (Lisa) Stump, Mankato, MN, Brad (Corey) Stump, Austin, MN, Jamie (Kevin) Kriha, Montgomery, MN, and Cassie (Ian) Mackenzie of Australia; stepchildren, Angie Bement of South Dakota, Lance (Jennifer) Bement and Adam (Natalie) Bement of FL; two sisters, Kathy (Dean) Weiss of Sherburn, MN and Kami Olesen of Mingo, IA; two brothers-in-law, Kieth Worthley and Dan Madsen; grandchildren, Brady Schmit and Nolan Stump, Anna, Delaney and Taylor Stump, Kody and Brooklyn Kriha all of MN, Toby Mackenzie of Australia, Katie Shirk, IL, Tom Shirk, SD, Johnny (Kaitlyn) Pickler, James (Ashley) Pickler, Jessica Bement, OH, Madalyn Paas, TN, and Ashley Bement, FL; great-grandchildren, Caden and Delaney Pickler of FL; along with many nieces and nephews spanning the globe.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City, SD, at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in St. Joseph Hall.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.