Alumni In Memoriam: Kent Maffitt

Kent was born on February 24, 1936 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Floyd and Helen (nee Newton) Maffitt and grew up on a family farm near Sidney, Iowa.  Though he lived in Missouri while earning his bachelor’s degree, he lived 63 of his 85 years in Minnesota. Kent met his lifetime sweetheart (Lois) Elaine Blezek as a boy.  They dated through high school and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary.  Together they raised their two sons in Minneapolis. Kent completed graduate school while supporting a growing family on a modest stipend. Later he enjoyed a successful career as a research physicist, teacher, mentor, inventor, and industry executive.  In 1985, Kent and Elaine moved from southeast Minneapolis to Lake Elmo.  Kent enjoyed fishing in the north woods, woodworking, birdwatching, traveling with Elaine and spending time with his family.  His wooden creations were both numerous and beautiful, but he was most proud of the heirloom creations that he made for the weddings and births of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He had an incredible singing voice and sang in the 3M Male Chorus, The Mellow Fellows, and his church choirs.  He is survived by  his wife, Elaine Maffitt of Stillwater, sons Mark (Kay) Maffitt of Madison, WI, Neil (Bonnie) Maffitt of Rochester, grandchildren Kari (Andrew Tsai) Maffitt of St. Paul, Jeffrey (Adrian) Maffitt of Eden Prairie, Rachel Maffitt of Madison, WI and great grandchildren Vivienne, Gwen and Dorian.  

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