W. Kent Gaer
September 09, 2013
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Service Details
W. Kent Gaer, age 77, passed away September 9, 2013 at Taylor House Hospice. He was born November 13, 1935 in Oelwein, Iowa to Warren N. and Georgia Kent Gaer. Kent graduated from Valley High School and attended Drake University where he earned three degrees in education. He also played on the Drake basketball team and was the recipient of the Harold Ebert Award, which signifies service above self.
After graduating from Drake, he was a teacher for the Des Moines Public Schools and the assistant football and boys’ basketball coach at Roosevelt High School for four years. He then went on to serve for 34 years in the West Des Moines school district at Valley High School as a teacher, boys’ basketball coach, and assistant football coach, and finally as an administrator.
Kent was very active. He served on the West Des Moines City Council for 16 years. He was also on the West Des Moines Water Board of Trustees for 20 years and was the chairman for the last ten. He was a long-time member of the West Des Moines Christian Church; and the game of golf was his passion. To this end, he enjoyed helping others perfect their game.
Kent and his wife Joann were high school sweethearts and married on November 12, 1955. They were the proud parents of three sons.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joann; his sons, Dave (Anne), Steven (Sally), and Kevin (Courtney); his seven grandchildren: Jacob, Margaret, Emma, Willis, Charlie, Mitchell and Tommy; and his brother, Doug Gaer of Cedar Falls.
A memorial service will be held at the West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors that morning from 9:00-11:00. A private burial of his cremated remains will be scheduled for a later date at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the West Des Moines Christian Church or Taylor House Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
R. Warren Sandler
09/13/2013
Joann & Family,
I was saddened to learn that Kent had passed away. It's been many years since I last saw him while he was a teacher at Valley. He was very proud of his family and we shared old memories of our times together while playing football for Valley and other social times. All should know that Kent was a quality person and he will leave a lasting legacy.
Jeff Downing
09/12/2013
What an honor it is to have known Kent. I had deep respect for his civic-minded involvement, both professionally as I dealt with him on the city council and personally through his school achievements. A fellow who worked for me pestered Kent to work with him on his golf game. Kent obliged and M. Mannon Douglas went on to Florida and two years on the Senior Pro Tour. Kent will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I am sure he will be a big help in Heaven.
Pat O'Brien
09/12/2013
Joann and Family: I am saddened to learn of Kent's passing. I played football at Drake for Kent's father, Warren Gaer and later served as an assistant coach on his staff and remained in communication with him until his death.
I well remember Kent as an outstanding member of Drake's basketball team and his reputation as a self sacrificing team player of sterling character.
Some time after leaving Drake I met Kent at a Drake affair, during the time he was an Valley administrator, and, as we talked, couldn't help hearing the forceful speach mannerisms so familar to me from my association with his father.
God bless you and your family
Randall Kochheiser
09/12/2013
I would like to share my memory of Kent with you. In the early 1960's I was a 5th grader at Madison elementary school in Des Moines. Kent was my PE teacher. One day, a friend and I were coming in off the playground, when Kent motioned to us, being young boys, we thought " What did we do?" Instead Kent asked us if wanted to be on the Safety Patrol. We thought this was quite an honor. Later that year, Kent made me Captain of the Safety Patrol for the next year. I felt truly honored that he had confidence in me to carry on nexr year. It may not been a big deal to some, but to me, it meant a lot. Next year Kent moved on, but I will always remember this. I'm sure Kent touched many lives, I will never forget what he did for me. Sincerely , Randy Kochheiser
Les Omotani
09/11/2013
It is said that "service is the rent we pay for our room here on earth and in heaven." Kent Gaer's rent is more than paid in full! Kent cared for and loved young people and they loved him. He was a great friend and colleague to all! We are fortunate to have had him enrich our lives. His legacy with WDMCS and Valley High School lives on forever! We will keep the entire Gaer family in our thoughts and prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, Les
Merrill & Joline Halter
09/11/2013
Joan and family.
How sorry we were to learn of Kent's passing. He was a real great guy and I enjoyed his friendship, both socially and professionally.
We certainly are thinking of you and your family during these times, and know that you are a strong family, and the wounds will eventually heal. Thank goodness you have a great family of support close by.
He will be sorely missed as he was a great one for community service and for volunteering to help others.
We are sorry we can't be at the services, but hope that Jack can represent our family.
With much sympathy,
Merrill & Joline
Tom Shively
09/11/2013
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my coach, friend and a man I greatly admired. Coach Gaer was instrumental in shaping my discipline, values and work ethic. He challenged me to be the best basketball player I could be. He wouldn't let me play until I had the right attitude. When I came to practice with a Beatles hair cut he wouldn't let me practice. If I didn't wear a hat to school I had to run laps. When I injured my ankle he took me to the doctor. He was in my face and challenged me to be the best ball player I could be and I responded. I will be forever grateful to him for the discipline I needed at that stage of my life. It was a major turning point in my life! We frequently connected after high school and he supported my work in the church and had Steve and Dave go my Sunday school class. I am grateful to God that He brought Kent Gaer into my life. He may have left this world but soon he will return with Christ and the new world to come.
Eugene Meyer
09/11/2013
I opened the morning paper and learned that we lost a great man. Kent personified "public servant" he gave so much volunteer time to West Des Moines and in a variety of roles. The community will miss him but we have much to celebrate as his dedication and love of the community is remembered.
Galen Howsare
09/11/2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaer family. Kent had such energy and passion for young people. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Kent during my time at WDM Schools. May you celebrate and cherish the memories you had of him.
Julie Larson
09/10/2013
From: Julie and Mary Sue-----
Just received the word from Doug that Kent passed. First of my cousins to go home. Mary Sue is here at my house so we both send our thoughts and prayers to you during this sad time. God holds you in the palm of his hand during the weeks ahead. Just pull up the wonderful memories and fun times your family has to hold onto. I know I remember many at G'ma and G'pa Gaers in Harlan.