Kent V. Lombardi, 73, passed away on January 17, 2026. Family and friends may gather on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. Private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Ministries (www.hopeiowa.org) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 Last words from Kent.

Well, my journey on Earth has ended. Today I stood before the Lord as He looked into my Book of Life to see if I could enter into His Kingdom.

My journey started January 23rd, 1952, the son of Vernon and Kathleen (Heinen) Lombardi. I was preceded by my two older sisters Patricia and Barbara and my twin brother Kim. All of which have already finished their journey and stood before the Lord.

I grew up in St. Catherines, Iowa. I worked for my dad at Lombardi’s store and later Lombardi’s Ballroom till I was 30 years old. There I met some of the most amazing people that helped form me as a young man. From there I got into the car business until I retired.

During this time, I was blessed with the most amazing daughters, Kasie Lynn Lombardi and Kortney Lee Lombardi. They are the loves of my life. I’m so proud of you. You never ceased to amaze me. They are my life! Not only my daughters but my best friends. My journey here would have been so lonely without them. They blessed me with three amazing grandchildren: Anthony, Kellan and Everleigh. God, I love those little sweethearts. All of this is an amazing blessing.

I’m not going to go on about any accolades for myself. Some people liked me and some didn’t. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I have to mention fast pitch/slow pitch softball. I loved to play. I loved to pitch. I was lucky to be part of Lombardi’s slow pitch team. What a great time! Thanks Pfeif, we had a lot of fun!

The only thing I could never understand in life are mean people. I feel sorry for those people because they’re missing the point of showing love. Have an open heart. When you have a hardened heart, your life is over. Remember my laugh and weird sense of humor! Making you laugh made me feel wonderful.

I wish to mention some of the special people that made my journey here on earth a better experience. My amazing friends; Kimmy, Genevieve, Wayne and Mary, Bill, Petty, Greg H, Amy. My childhood friend Jackie. My friends that are no longer here, Al, Bob H, Fred and Marty. My unbelievable friends from Omaha; Bill, Alan and especially Deb. You three opened my eyes to a better life.

To all my friends and relatives, I love you. Please receive Jesus as your Savior so we can meet again in our Lord’s Kingdom. It’s not easy. Read the Bible! Repent your sins and accept Jesus. I’ll hopefully be waiting for you!

Kent