Kent Stuart Bigbee

Kent Stuart Bigbee, 95, of North Mankato, Minnesota passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025 at Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato.

Memorial service will be held at 11am, Friday, November 14, 2025 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary with visitation one hour prior. Burial and full military honors will take place at later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery – Redwood Falls. Please share a memory of Kent with his family, view his video tribute, and watch his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com.

Memorials are preferred to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Kent was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend to everyone. He was always ready to visit with everyone, loved to laugh, and never met a stranger!

Kent was born February 12, 1930 in Windom to Joseph and Maybelle (Wessell) Bigbee. Kent attended Jeffers School for 12 years, where he participated in baseball, basketball and football. After his graduation in 1948, Kent attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. While attending college, he enlisted in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954. He spent most of his service time in the states and a short time in England.

Kent and Marilyn (Erickson) were married on June 8, 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. They lived in Tampa, Florida for 2 years and enjoyed their time there, making lifelong Air Force friends. Kent was discharged from the Air Force in 1954, and he and Marilyn returned to Jeffers after the death of his father, Joe. Kent was appointed Postmaster in Jeffers, and held that position for over 30 years, retiring in 1986 when they relocated to Mankato. Kent later worked part time for Lager’s Chrysler World as a courtesy driver for 12 years. They enjoyed their spare time searching garage and estate sales for collectibles and amassed quite a collection of Fire King, that was shared with their children when their searching days were over.

Kent and Marilyn joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato, where they met many wonderful friends. Kent also belonged to the NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees), the North Mankato Legion and the DAV. They were also part of the “Buster’s Group.” A group of friends that met every Monday to go out for supper. This tradition continued for several years.

Kent liked to hunt, fish, and especially enjoyed golfing and golfing trips. In his younger years, he played baseball on the Air Force and Jeffers town teams. While living in Jeffers, Kent played an active role in the community by serving on the Village Council as Clerk for 18 years, was a church board chairman at the United Methodist Church, and served on the community fund drive. Family was very important to Kent and they enjoyed many camping and fishing trips.

Kent is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Linda (Jim) Missling of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Chris (Tiffany); great-grandchildren, Lily Lou and Carter; grandson, Kerry Alvarado’s son, Anthony “Tony” (Renee) Karschnik of Pueblo, CO; great-granddaughter, Sarah (Julian) Suggs; great-great-granddaughter, Aislynn; great-grandson, Tanner; son-in-law, Javier “Jay” Alvarado of Pueblo West, CO; son, Kevin (Gale) Bigbee of North Mankato; granddaughters, Kelsey Bigbee and Allie (Tanner) Isakson; daughter, Kristi (Bob) Butler of Revere, MN; grandson, Dan (MacKenzie) Butler and great-granddaughter, Bryar; granddaughter, Laura (Rob) Albertson; great-grandsons, Joseph and Dylan (Shanaya); great-great-grandchildren, Lexie and Bo. Kent is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Donna Erickson and Myrna Erickson; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Reid Bigbee; his daughter, Kerry Alvarado; Kerry’s son, Jaime Karschnik; father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Olga (Kleven) Erickson; sister-in-law Lola Bigbee; and brothers-in-law, Roger and Gary Erickson.

A special thank you to all that played such an important role in Kent’s life: his family, friends, and especially his “Buster’s” friends who looked after Kent and Marilyn. We especially thank the caregivers at Birchwood Cottages and Moments Hospice. We are thankful that dad and mom were able to spend their golden years together. As dad would say to mom every night, “Well, Marilyn, we made it another day.” He recently started using one of his eye aides (as he had macular degeneration for many years) and said he was able to see her more clearly than ever before. “You are as beautiful as when I married you.”