Kent Neustel

Kent’s battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma) ended on July 1, 2020. He fought this fight as he lived his life on a daily basis - with courage, dignity, and grace.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, July 31, 2020. Golfers: Golf at Hawktree Golf Course – Tee Times 12pm-3pm.  Reserve your tee time by calling Hawktree.  Everyone: Social 4pm-10pm at Sertoma Park Shelter #6.

Kent had the most amazing, infectious laugh that could be heard for miles or fill up the room.  He was also known for his amazing hugs -- because he meant them.  He was a humble, loyal Husband, Dad, Papa, Son, Brother, Teammate, and Friend. He was the ultimate competitor in everything he did. He never backed away from a challenge, including the battle with glioblastoma. He was a leader in every aspect of the word. 

Kent was born in Jamestown on March 13, 1957 to Harold and Helen (Madson) Neustel, where they resided in Robinson. His childhood memories of growing up in Robinson playing basketball, baseball and running track were his favorite to tell. He was an honored Robinson Hornet through and through.

Kent started his Bachelor of Accountancy at Mayville State and finished it at Moorhead State University.  This is where he met his friend, Greg Scherr, who would later introduce Kent to his sister, Tammy.  A year later, Kent and Tammy were married on June 30, 1978.  They relocated to Rugby, then to Mandan, where Kent began his career at North American Coal in 1985. Promotions at North American Coal relocated his family to Beulah and eventually back to Mandan.  Along the way, they welcomed a son, Brandon, and daughter, Kylie, to the family.  Kent and Tammy shared their 42^nd anniversary together at home, the day before his passing. 

Kent spent 36 years with the North American Coal Corporation. Many of those 36-years were spent as Vice President of The Coteau Properties Company’s Freedom Mine, a subsidiary of North American Coal. Kent’s passion for his role at the Freedom Mine was second only to his passion for his family; and maybe for golf. Kent had a knack for recognizing talent and went out of his way to help employees achieve their goals. He coached and mentored many, developing them into future leaders.  Kent’s priority was to always look for ways to make the Freedom Mine a better place, both in processes and in people. One of Kent’s strongest assets was always keeping the customer’s best interest in mind and in helping Coteau employees understand the importance of the Coteau/Customer relationship. 

Kent’s happiest moments were watching and coaching his kids play football, basketball and track during their youth. One of his proudest moments were having both of his kids become high school state champions.  Most recently, he was delighted to be cheering on his grandchildren in their competitive sports and being their number one fan. He enjoyed playing endless games of UNO with his grandkids all piled up on his lap, with belly giggles of making Papa “Draw 4.”

Baseball was Kent’s first love. From his little league team in Robinson through high school to his slow pitch softball teams with Trautmann Sales, Dakota Northwestern, Flynn & Senger, Red Mustache, and Beulah Vision. Kent and Tammy, with kids in tow, spent many, many days, evenings and weekends with his teammates and their families doing what he loved.  Competing.

Kent’s love of sports continued in his dedication for his local teams the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.  He shared many great memories attending games with family and friends over the years.  You could find him watching or listening to every game and he could remember and recite every statistic by memory. 

Golf became a huge part of Kent’s life when he began playing at the Beulah Municipal Golf Course.  He helped get the club house built and enjoyed men’s league with his buddies.  He was a very proud member of Hawktree Golf Course in Bismarck.  His pride for Hawktree was unconditional, always telling people it was he greatest golf course in the Midwest. He enjoyed playing many games of skins out there – “buck a hole.”

Other than being at work, in a gym, on a golf course or at a baseball field, Kent’s two favorite places was their annual trip to El Dorado in Mexico and the summers spent at their lake “cavin” at Lake Isabel.  He enjoyed being at both of these getaways most with his best friend Tammy.  We will miss our Captain everyday.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Helen Neustel; brother, Dwight Neustel; father-in-law, George Scherr.

Kent will forever be remembered and loved by his wife, Tammy; two children, Brandon Neustel, Portland, OR, and Kylie (Aaron) Waldo, Aberdeen, SD.  He will be forever treasured by his adoring eight grandkids, Ayrlie, Ridley, Jovee, Avyn, Priya, Beric Waldo, Jordan Neustel and Brianna Lee. Also surviving are his sister, Lynn (Rick) Dewitz; siblings-in-law, Dr. Greg (Pam) Scherr, Brian (Tami) Scherr, Gail (Dave) Heil, Dr. Steven Scherr, and Mike Scherr; mother-in-law, Lois Scherr; and of course, his many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.