After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Kent Gregory Thorson passed away at the age of 48 on December 13, 2024.

Funeral service will be at 10:30am Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Grace Lutheran Church.

Interment will be held at the Helgen Cemetery in Florence, SD

Kent was born in Watertown, SD, on November 28, 1976 to Greg and Marlene (Blashill) Thorson. He grew up in Florence, SD on a small acreage and graduated from Florence High School.

From an early age, Kent developed a love for the outdoors, often hunting and fishing alongside his Dad. This special bond earned him the nickname “Bud,” as he was undoubtedly his Dad’s best friend. Whether chasing after furs, fins, feathers, or especially antlers, Kent’s days spent outdoors always brought a smile to his face.

On May 3, 2003, Kent married Alexys Smith. Together, they were blessed with two children, Rylee and Damon, who quickly became the center of his world. Kent cherished being a Dad more than anything and loved spending time with his family. They shared many adventures camping, hunting, and fishing together. This summer, Kent and his family enjoyed a trip to Maine for one final fishing excursion.

Kent was a machinist at Western Machining for 28 years, where he took pride in his work and valued the friendships he formed with his co-workers. He was particularly proud of contributing to parts used on the International Space Station.

In his free time, Kent enjoyed the company of his many friends, often relaxing with a cold beverage in hand. He was an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan and took great pride in supporting his team. Known for his kind soul and willingness to help anyone in need, Kent’s generosity extended to projects like assisting a friend in building a cabin in Alaska—an adventure that also allowed him to reel in a few fish along the way. Every year he looked forward to the Thorson Pheasant Hunt, where his sharp shooting skills earned him the coveted trophy a few times.

Kent’s twinkling eyes, warm smile, and welcoming presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, love for the outdoors, and devotion to his family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his children, Rylee and Damon Thorson; his mother, Marlene Thorson; his sister, Chelle (Matt) Eischens; his former wife, Alexys Thorson; father and mother-in-law, Rick and Carolea Smith and his brother in-law, Chris (Kelli) Smith; nieces, Kalea Miller, Kelci Eischens, Leah Smith and nephew Austin Smith; his grandfather, Wayne Blashill and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father, Greg; paternal grandparents, Clayton and Muriel Thorson; maternal grandmother, MaryAnn Blashill; and his cousin, Christopher Andrews.

Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel serving the family ~ www.wightandcomes.com