I’m so sorry to hear of Kent’s passing. He was a special man who helped our family greatly when we lost our son Ryan. May God carry you through tough times as you grieve. God Bless you. Dawn (Johnson)Washburn Vircks a classmate at JFK HS.

Dawn Virck
January 29, 2022

Kent was a classmate in 1987 Cedar Rapids Police Academy. I haven’t seen Kent in many years but I only have found memories of Kent carrying Joe the “Rock” as we all took are turn with Joe the rock and maybe a few family members, More ROCKS!! We shared a lot of laughs in the Police academy and when we graduated to the Streets as Officer’s. Rest easy my friend.

Victor Mills
January 29, 2022

As a fellow Catholic, I offer my Divine Mercy Chaplet for Kent. Eternal rest grant unto thee

Tracy Downey
January 29, 2022

I worked with Kent for several years at the Child Protection Center. He was a terrific team member and friend. He was so in love with his family including his wife and children. He would often share pictures of his children with the other members of the team. Kent was always so optimistic and dedicated to making the world a safer place for children. He was also a man of strong faith and shared his faith with others. Our community should be thankful that Kent served us for so many years through the CRPD. My sympathies to Kent’s family on your great loss.

Sue Tesdahl
January 29, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Kent's passing. When I started at the CRPD five years ago he welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the team from the very start. He made me laugh and always had a smile and supporting conversation when things weren't going quite right at work. I will miss him trying to scare me as he walked past the office just to make sure I was still awake after working overnight. I knew him to be a good man and huge part of the police department that will forever be missed. Blessings to his wife and family. May the good memories carry you through the rough times to come.

Kristi Homewood
January 30, 2022

I am so very sorry to hear of Kent's passing. I worked with Kent for many years, he was always smiling and helpful. Kent was a good man and good for the citizens of Cedar Rapids. God Bless

STEPHANIE m VANDEZANDSCHULP
January 30, 2022

Kent was my friend from the time that I started at the PD. At one point in time I became his boss but it never changed the bond between us. I then transferred to working for him. One of the most genuine persons I have ever known.

David Zahn
January 30, 2022

Beth, Katie and family i am so very sorry to hear of Kent’s passing, may you find comfort knowing he is at peace. Cherish your special memories God bless

Stephanie Hiserote Grovert
January 30, 2022

I knew Kent in his "younger years" . He was a wonderful brother in law for a time, was fun, funny, and always protective of me when I needed it. I'm glad he found his true calling in police work and protecting children. My kids enjoyed seeing him as Officer Friendly. It warms my heart to hear that he lived well and was so loved. My sympathies to the entire family.

Jane Collins (Kieck)
January 30, 2022

So sorry to hear about Kent. May all the wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shelley VanDraska
January 30, 2022

Our collective LE hearts are heavy and we are deeply saddened for your immeasurable loss. Kent was an outstanding law enforcement professional. Throughout his distinguished career that spanned 33 years he did so much to improve community safety, security and overall quality of life in Cedar Rapids. As a dedicated guardian Kent made many contributions to the department, especially the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and the local community. I would include Kent as one on a very short list of icons who served in the CID. He played a prominent role with a variety of the most serious and complex investigations including but not limited to homicide, assault, robbery, rape, kidnapping, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, etc. Kent was a highly skilled, well-trained professional with expertise in human behavior honed over decades of experience. His unwavering commitment was critical to investigating, solving and holding offenders accountable for many of the most significant crimes in CR. Kent genuinely cared about making a positive impact in the department and community. He was influential, widely respected and greatly admired.....truly one of our very finest. I offer my deepest heartfelt condolences. Kelly Fitzpatrick, CRPD Colleague

Kelly Fitzpatrick
January 30, 2022

So sad to hear of Kent passing. He was a good friend, and co-worker. He was a fine officer, commander, and gentleman. All who knew Kent also knew how much he loved his family, and friends.

James P. Kelly
January 31, 2022

My heart is heavy, and I know yours is too. Words cannot express how sorry I am at this loss. Beth, you and Katie and all Kent's family are in my prayers. Kent was more than just a friend and colleague. He was an inspiration to many. He helped make the dream of a new shelter for Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control a reality. He was a fine man with a compassionate heart. He will be greatly missed.

Diane Webber
January 31, 2022

Kent was a wonderful caring man. He will certainly be missed.

Kim and Scott Loggins
January 31, 2022

Beth I am so sorry to hear of Kent’s passing. Thinking of you, Katie and all of your family during this difficult time. Karen McCoy Pink and Tessa Steffen

Karen McCoy Pink
January 31, 2022

I am so sad to hear of the passing of this great gentleman. He was such a compassionate man toward all humans, children and even dogs and cats. He was a big part of my life while volunteering at the CR Animal Care and Control. Kent and Mr. Mincks went above the call of duty while assisting our efforts to help the animals. God bless them both with rewards in Heaven. We will never forget their kindness.

Carole Gauger
February 1, 2022

Sorry to hear about my old boat racing friends passing. Wonderful memories spent traveling throughout the mid-west following our mutual passion of racing hydroplanes. Thanks for the memories Kent 30-X. Thoughts and prayers to your family all the lives you touched.

Bill Ramsey
February 1, 2022

To all of the Choate family, you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Kent before he joined the CRPD and actually encouraged him to join our CRPD family. I had the pleasure of working with him quite a few years. He was a good Officer, good Commander and more importantly a good person and friend to me. We will all miss him greatly.

Glen Fox
February 1, 2022

My deepest sympathies to the family of Kent Choate. He was a deeply committed and dedicated police officer who always gave his best. We worked on many important cases together one of which (Carloss Robinson) was featured on Forensic Files. Kent played a crucial role in bringing justice to the victim's family like he did in all his cases. I'm going to miss our talks about the justice system, our families and his love of the outdoors, especially Holiday Lake. He was a kind and thoughtful man who will be greatly missed.

Jerry Vander Sanden
February 1, 2022

Beth and family, Jim and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies. We remember attending your wedding and reception, my first chance to meet all the Einck's. We are keeping you in our prayers.

Jim and Gretchen Warkentin
February 2, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Beth and family. Kent was one of the nicest, kindness people I ever met in law enforcement. After all of those years he never changed on being this kind of a person. Which is very is hard to do. I remember talking to him telling me he was retiring. So this was very shocking to me. He left way too soon. God bless Kent for all he did. Jeff Norton LCSO #57-181.

Jeff Norton
February 2, 2022

Beth, & family, so very sorry to hear of Kent's passing, words can't express how much I thought of Kent. You're in my thoughts & prayers.

Cathy Hiserote
February 2, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Beth and family. Kent was one of the nicest, kindness people I ever met in law enforcement. After all of those years he never changed on being this kind of a person. Which is very is hard to do. I remember talking to him telling me he was retiring. So this was very shocking to me. He left way too soon. God bless Kent for all he did. Jeff Norton LCSO #57-181.

Jeff Norton
February 3, 2022