Kent Kohring

Kent Gerhard Kohring, 88, of Bruneau, passed away Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise.

Kent was born on Aug. 5, 1929 to Ger and Nina Kohring in St. Louis, MO. At the age of eight the family moved to Bruneau, to pursue a life of farming.

An excellent boxer in the area, Kent graduated from Bruneau High School in 1947 and joined the ROTC and boxing teams at the University of Idaho. He was called to serve with the 6th Infantry in the Korean War.

While stationed in California, he married the love of his life, Virginia Lahtinen, on Sept. 2, 1951. Together they raised four children and spent 66 wonderful years together.

After the war, Kent returned to Moscow to finish his agricultural degree. He continued his service by enlisting in the National Guard and was honorably discharged as a Captain.

One of Kent’s greatest accomplishments after service was helping his dad drill the early wells in Little Valley, as well as securing patents for Desert Land Entry, thereby establishing Kohring Farms.

Before becoming a full-time farmer, Kent was a school teacher in Vale, OR, Bruneau and Mountain Home. During his time as an educator he also coached basketball, boxing and supported the local 4H programs.

In retirement, Kent was a regular participant in the morning coffee group at the One Stop and Jumbo’s.

As a point of pride, he was independent, lived within his means and treasured everything about the Bruneau Valley; yet paramount to his life was his family.

Kent took pleasure in sharing genealogy, even traveling with his grandsons to see the old Kohring Distillery in downtown St. Louis. Never one to arrive late, he could always be found cheering on his grandkids at sporting events.

Kent’s family and friends will miss him and remember his humor, integrity and strength that were so much a part of him.

Kent is survived by his wife Virginia, son Gary (Karen) Kohring of Mountain Home, son Daniel Kohring of Twin Falls, daughter Christine Kohring of Bruneau, daughter Yvonne Kohring of Murray, Utah, sister Susan Robertson, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Dec. 23, 2017, at 10 a.m. in the Bruneau American Legion Hall with services at 11 a.m. Internment will take place at the Bruneau Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at the Legion Hall.

Memorials can be made to the Bruneau American Legion Post 83. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.