Kent Cuvelier

NEW HARTFORD -- Kent Alton Cuvelier, 80, of New Hartford, passed away Friday night, May 31, 2024, at home with his family lovingly at his side.

Kent was born July 17, 1943, in Cedar Falls, the son of Jean Elaine (Elliott) and Iven Earl Cuvelier. Following his graduation from New Hartford High School in 1961, Kent attended Ellsworth Junior College, Wartburg College and the University of Northern Iowa, earning his BA and Teacher’s Degree. On April 7, 1962, Kent was united in marriage to Linda Marie Venenga at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Kent's career began teaching P.E. and Social Studies for the New Hartford School District for over five years. During this time, he also enjoyed coaching many sports including girls’ basketball, track and baseball, and he started the cross country program. He was proud to coach the substate New Hartford Hawks Baseball Team in 1982. Kent then started a 27-year career as a supervisor for John Deere and retired in 2000. Over the years, Kent held several side jobs including carpentry work, working at Sid Dean's Conoco, Cedar Falls Box Factory and Larsen Construction. After retiring from John Deere, Kent’s passion for teaching and helping others brought him back to substitute teaching in New Hartford.

Kent was a member of the New Hartford Lions Club, Jaycees, the Two Cylinder Club, was an active member of the New Hartford Alumni Association and served on the New Hartford City Council. He enjoyed his hobby farm and farming with Wes, going on and giving tractor rides, sports, camping and having coffee with friends. One of his favorite things to do was to “go for a ride.” He loved to travel and look at the countryside. He was passionate about teaching, regardless of the student's abilities and was a favorite substitute teacher for many. He enjoyed serving as the local Boy Scout Leader for many years and was a constant at the annual New Hartford Fourth Grade Campout, teaching outdoor cooking to many students. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Kent is survived by his beloved wife of over 62 years, Linda; two children, Sandra (Gary) Becker and Barry (Julie) Cuvelier both of New Hartford; seven grandchildren, Drew (Devin) Becker, Luke (Hannah) Becker, Brooke (Aaron) Krejci, Kayleigh (Tanner) Wright, Benjamin Cuvelier, Blaine (Josie) Becker, and Elizabeth (Jordan Martin) Cuvelier; eight great-grandchildren, Daxton Becker, Tate Grant, Beau Becker, Huxlee Becker, Harper Becker, Walker Wright, Brice Becker and Cal Krejci; a sister, Sherri (Kenneth) Howard of Mentor, Ohio; two brothers-in-law, Jerry (Jacky) Venenga of New Hartford and Keith (Becky) Venenga of Denver; a sister-in-law, Donna (David) Brown of Palmer, Alaska; three nieces; and one nephew. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Iven and Jean; and in-laws, Roy and Isabelle Venenga.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at New Hartford Community Church in New Hartford with Pastors Elton LaBree and Dianna Bass presiding. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery, New Hartford. Visitation will be at the church Wednesday, June 5, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kent’s family for later designation. 

Online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com. Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family. 319-352-1187