Kent Hegstrom

Kent Hegstrom, age 74, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Edgewood Memory Care.  Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD. Pastor Sara McManus will officiate. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. prior to services on Saturday.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD.

Kent was born August 14, 1951, in Watertown, SD, to Lyle and Alta (Wendt) Hegstrom. Kent graduated from Guymon High School  in 1969 and later attended a 2-year automotive program in Liberal KS He listed drag racing as his hobby in his high school year book. He mentioned he had drag raced 4 different cars. He graduated from Liberal Area Vocational Technical School. He has been involved in the automotive world ever since.

Kent loved being around cars and the automotive world his whole life. Known best as the man who could diagnose a car's ailment before the hood was popped. With a deep, encyclopedic knowledge of every nut, bolt, and piston, he spent his life ensuring that those around him stayed safe on the road. He was a welcoming presence who greeted every customer with a smile and a reassuring word. Kent had the rare gift of knowing exactly what a vehicle needed and the honesty to provide just that.

He was an avid archer. He competed and won many of the competitions he participated in. Another hobby of Kent’s was to collects guns of all shapes and sizes. Kent had an interest in guns of all shapes and sizes but seemed to concentrate on air rifles and pellet guns. He also enjoyed hunting of all kinds, pheasants, deer and gopher.

Kent will always be remembered for his giving spirit. He was recognized for his volunteerism from Volunteers of America on 2.7.18 by being awarded with the Caught You Making a Difference Award. He donated not only his time to many organizations, he also was a friendly face and smile when people needed one. Kent has been a Retired Senior Volunteer (RSVP) volunteer for over a year. In that year, Kent spends his volunteer time at People Against Childhood Hunger (PACH), The Salvation Army and First United Methodist Church.

To continue Kent’s giving nature, we ask all gifts and flowers be donated to a Watertown charity so that he can continue what he believe in, helping those in need.

Kent’s commitment and positive attitude carries over to the people he serves.

Kent was preceded in death by parents Lyle and Alta Hegstrom and his sister Marsha Brown Hegstrom.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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