Kent Eugene Mintz, age 82 of Risingsun, Ohio passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Wood Haven Health Care in Bowling Green, Ohio.
He was born on July 6, 1944 in Fremont, Ohio, to the late Vernon and Alma (Damschroder) Mintz. Growing up on the family farm, Kent learned the value of hard work early in life, spending his youth alongside his mom and dad tending to the fields and milking cows. On September 26, 1964, Kent married the love of his life, Dianne E. Thrasher in Gibsonburg, Ohio. Together, they shared nearly 62 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories.
Surviving Kent is his loving wife, Dianne; sons, Kirk Mintz of Risingsun, Ohio and Daniel Mintz of Scottsdale, Arizona; granddaughter, Gabrielle Mintz; brother, Les Mintz (Cathi); and sister, Marcia (Gene) Biroth. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Alma, and brother, Earl Mintz.
Kent was a 1962 graduate of Gibsonburg High School. Following graduation, Kent began a long and dedicated working career, spending 36 years as a laborer at Chrysler Corporation in Toledo, Ohio before retiring.
Kent had a special place in his heart for baseball and the young people of his community. He served as a former president of the Risingsun Little League and spent well over 15 years coaching. Through the countless practices, games, and seasons he devoted to Little League, Kent had the opportunity to encourage and mentor many young athletes throughout the years. Outside of baseball, Kent had a great passion for horses and especially enjoyed barrel racing. He also carried a lifelong love for automobiles, eventually building a special model car collection that mirrored the actual cars he owned throughout his life. Kent and his wife enjoyed traveling and golf together and were fortunate to spend many winters in Florida and Texas after retirement making many new friends.
Whether he was at the ballfields or spending time around horses, or golfing or traveling, Kent found great enjoyment in the activities and family and friends that meant the most to him.
Above all, Kent was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His nearly 62 years of marriage to Dianne, his dedication to his family, and the many years he gave to his community will remain an important part of the legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched throughout his 82 years.
Memorial services for Kent will be held at a later date. All arrangements have been entrusted to Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio. Online condolences can be sent to Kent’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.
