Kent McKay

Kent McKay, 49, of Carpio and Fargo, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, in Lisbon.

Kent Richard McKay was born June 24, 1965, the son of Wallace and Virginia (Stromme) McKay, in Williston. At age 2, he moved with his family to Fargo, where he was raised and educated. Kent graduated from Fargo North High School in 1983.

He furthered his education by attending North Dakota State University in Fargo, where he received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1988, and later a master of science degree in crop and weed science in 1991.

Kent married Lori Limke Jan. 7, 1995, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. They made their home in Carpio.

Kent worked at the North Central Research Extension Center in Minot as an agronomist for 18 years. He then created Vision Research Park in Berthold. He also worked for BASF and as a private crop consultant.

Kent’s passion for agriculture and ag research were evident to everyone he met. He cultivated friendships through his extraordinary talent for crop production. He was well respected not only by local producers but also nationally and worldwide, speaking at conferences throughout North America and South America. His skills in the field were recognized through numerous awards received from multiple organizations.

When he wasn’t in the crop field, he was in the field hunting. His love and respect for the outdoors were passed onto his children. Countless memories from his hunting excursions will be remembered by his family and closest friends. Kent spent many hours scouting crops for farmers and fields to hunt with his Brittany Spaniels at his side. Early in his life, hours were spent with his dad, Pep, learning the outdoor skills and life lessons from his hero.

Kent’s life revolved around his wife, children and granddaughter, Laney. He showed them the world through their family vacations. His love for animals and the farm built lasting memories and hilarious stories that we will treasure forever. Kent cherished Laney. Reading books, painting nails and coloring were just a few activities that made them both so happy. The fondest memories of Kent by his family and friends were created by endless hours around the bonfire and on the dance deck. His beautiful smile, contagious laugh and warm hugs will forever be missed by the people who were blessed to know him.

Surviving family includes: wife of 20 years, Lori McKay, Carpio; daughters, Megan McKay, Eagan, Minn., and Marisa McKay, Carpio; sons, Rylan (Abra) Sundsbak, Hazen, Devin Sundsbak, Burlington, and John Sundsbak, Carpio; granddaughter, Laney Ann Sundsbak; mother, Virginia McKay, Fargo; mother-in-law, Margaret Limke, Minot; brother, Kevin (Sandy) McKay, White Bear Lake, Minn.; brothers-in-law, Jack (Genita) Limke, Bardstown, Ky., and Joe (Pam) Limke, Albuquerque, N.M.; sister-in-law, Mary (Lawrence) Hansen, Carpio; nieces, Julia, Katie, Megan and Anna; nephews, Kyle, Aaron, Derek, Jay, Jim, Ryan, Nathan and Travis; aunts and uncles, Marilyn Selkirk, Kathy and Ralph Rognlie, and Les Stromme; cousins, Michelle Rognlie and Dan and Allison Hoppes and their children, Scott, Nicole and Sam.

Kent was preceded in death by: his father, Wallace; uncles, Bob Selkirk and Richard Stromme; father-in-law, Larry Limke; brother-in-law, Jeff Limke; sister-in-law, Debra Limke; cousin, Andrea; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Prayer Service: 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo.

Visitation: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the register book on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot.

Interment: Will take place at a later date.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to an educational fund for his two daughters, Megan and Marisa McKay, in care of United Community Bank, PO Box 10, Burlington, ND, 58722.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at thompsonlarson.com.