Kent Fabian

Kent Brian Fabian, 66, a lifelong resident of Winona passed away Monday, December 30, 2024, in Winona after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kent was born on August 2, 1958 to Ronald and Joan (Henderson) Fabian. Kent was the 4th of six children. He grew up in Pleasant Valley and attended Pleasant Valley School and later Winona Senior High School. Kent worked as a garbage truck driver for over 40 years and was proud of his title of Senior Driver with Waste Management. He enjoyed mentoring other drivers and working in the truck shop doing odds and ends.

Kent married Joy Oldendorf in 1981. Kent and Joy had two children, Shawna and Koleman, whom Kent adored and would brag about to anyone. Kent and Joy later divorced. In 2000, Kent married the love of his life, Debra Otterness after a long courtship. Kent was the pillar of support to Debra after a stroke in 2009 and has stood by her side throughout all of life’s hardships. He embodied the true definition of in sickness and in health. He was fiercely loyal to his family and friends.

Kent was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He worked tirelessly at keeping up his slice of heaven on 10 acres on the outskirts of Winona. Any free time he had would be spent in his pole shed tinkering. It was his favorite thing to do. He enjoyed good home cooked food, good conversation and hunting. His trips to Colorado with his friends were some of his most cherished memories.

Kent was a genuine man who had the gift of being able to talk to and relate to anyone. He had many lifelong friends. He will be deeply missed by everyone that knew him.

Kent was preceded in death by sisters, Christy and Sandy Adams, sister-in-law Kathy Fabian; nephew, Joey Rostad; brothers-in-law, Kenny Rostad and Duane Adams; and great-nephew, Ethan Fabian.

Kent is survived by his wife Debra; parents, Ron and Joan; brothers, Dennis (Debbie), Tom (Caroline); sister, Debra Waldee (Steve); children, Shawna Tienter (Nate), Koleman (Kaila Winters); stepson, Todd Otterness (Tammy Gunderson); grandchildren Beckett and Brooks Tienter, Vayah, Theo and Rowhin, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Kent’s family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the helpers that showed up after his cancer diagnosis. Many thanks to the staff at Gundersen Health System, Sugar Loaf Senior Living and Lake Winona Manor. Thank you for sharing your gifts and passion with Kent and his family. It made the unthinkable a little easier and we are so thankful for each and every one of you.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Bush Cemetery in Ridgeway.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.