Kent E. Smith, 73, Passes Away in Warroad

The longtime Bemidji resident and carpenter died at his home surrounded by family.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Kent E. Smith, a 73-year-old resident of Warroad, Minnesota, passed away on February 18, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. Smith was born on May 1, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois and lived in Oak Forest until 1961 when his family moved to Bemidji. He graduated from Bemidji High School in 1971 and worked as a carpenter for his father's company American Garages. In 1973, he met his wife, and they were married on May 25, 1974.

Why it matters

Kent E. Smith's passing marks the end of an era for the Bemidji community, where he lived for much of his life and worked as a skilled carpenter. His death at the age of 73 is a loss for his family and those who knew him.

The details

After graduating high school in 1971, Kent E. Smith worked as a carpenter for his father's company American Garages. In 1973, he met the love of his life and they were married on May 25, 1974. Smith spent his later years living in Warroad, Minnesota, where he passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 73, surrounded by his family.

  • Kent E. Smith was born on May 1, 1952 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • The Smith family moved to Bemidji in 1961 when Kent was 9 years old.
  • Kent graduated from Bemidji High School in 1971.
  • Kent met his wife in 1973 and they were married on May 25, 1974.
  • Kent E. Smith passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 73.

The players

Kent E. Smith

A 73-year-old resident of Warroad, Minnesota who passed away on February 18, 2026. He was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1952 and lived in Bemidji for much of his life, working as a carpenter for his father's company American Garages.

Gerald Smith

Kent E. Smith's father, who owned the carpentry company American Garages where Kent worked.

JoAnn (Kessey) Smith

Kent E. Smith's mother.

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The takeaway

Kent E. Smith's passing marks the end of an era for the Bemidji community, where he lived and worked for decades as a skilled carpenter. His death at the age of 73 is a loss for his family and those who knew him, but his legacy will live on through the work he did and the lives he touched.