Dr. Kent John Hess passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021 at his beloved home in Belvidere, IL. He was born to Wayne and Louise "Polly" Hess on April 24, 1942. Kent always spoke with such pride about being raised on the farm in Utica, IL. This childhood upbringing served as the framework of his character and he later would often say, "I'm just an old country doc."

After attending Lasalle Peru High School and Lasalle Peru Junior College, he graduated with honors from the University of Illinois in 1964. Kent then pursued his dream by attending medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. During this time, he was also given the privilege to study medicine at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland. Upon graduation from medical school in 1968, he completed his internal medicine residency in York, Pennsylvania. In his final year of residency, Kent was honored by being chosen to serve as chief medical resident. From 1972 to 1974, he was stationed at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, where he also was a major in the U.S. Army.

Kent then returned to Illinois to pursue his passion for teaching by accepting a position to become an associate professor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford. He loved to mentor medical students and impart his knowledge and devotion to medicine.

During his 47 year medical career, Kent performed many roles. These positions included internal medicine physician for the University of Illinois-College of Medicine and Swedish American Health System where he proudly worked alongside his son, Dr. Eric Hess. He was the addiction specialist at Rosecrance, 30 year service with the Boone county Health Department, director of the Shappert Community Health Center, consultant for Foundations Recovery Program, physician for the Boone County and Dekalb/Sycamore correctional facilities, and member of the Board for the Northern Suburban Bariatric Center in Belvidere.

Above all, what mattered most to Kent was the personal connections he made with everyone he encountered. He formed genuine relationships with not only his patients, but with all people. Kent was naturally inquisitive and loved learning about people, which built trust and friendship. During his devoted career, he touched many lives. Kent's ability to connect with people was due in no small part to his robust personality. It was common to hear Kent before seeing him. The sound of his boisterous laugh always announced his presence. He was always happy and excited to see you, and without fail made people smile. Kent's vibrant personality, in addition to his profession, made people feel better.

What Kent's family will miss the most is his love and support. He was always extremely proud of everything his family accomplished and was their biggest cheerleader. His positivity was unwavering and he always provided an upbeat presence everywhere he went. Kent never missed the opportunity to tell his family that he loved them.

Another great love of Kent's life was the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. No bigger fan existed. In addition to holding season tickets to football and basketball for many years, he was an avid supporter and contributor to the University of Illinois Athletic Department. These contributions provided scholarships for numerous student athletes. The trips to countless games created everlasting memories for his family.

Kent's other hobbies included collecting antique tractors and having them restored. Summer get-togethers were famous for taking the grandchildren on tractor rides around his property. His favorite tractor was his father's 1942 Farmall H, which he proudly displayed at the Boone County Fair. Kent loved to sing and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church choir. He also loved watching his family participate in sports over the years. As a result, he was an avid fan of the Belvidere Bucs and North Boone Vikings.

Kent was involved in many organizations. He was a member of the American Medical Association of Illinois, the IOU club, Occidental Lodge #40 (Ottawa, IL), 50 year Mason, University of Illinois Foundation, Illinois Sheriff Association, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Association. He was also the chairman for the district 100 Foundation for Excellence in Education and was a past president of the U of I Alumni Association and the Boone County Medical Society.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn; stepdaughter Ashley Raabe, Poplar Grove, IL; sons: Dr. Eric (Kelly) Hess, Fort Collins, CO; Neil (Suhani Patel) Hess, Poplar Grove, IL; Craig (Amy) Hess, Crystal Lake, IL; daughter Jill (Adam) Sessions, Caledonia, IL: and Suzanne Hess (mother of Eric, Neil, Craig and Jill) Rockford, IL; brother Glenn (Brenda) Hess, Ocean Isle Beach, NC; nephew Adam (Abbie) Hess, Charlotte, NC; niece Paige (Charles) Honeycutt, Atlanta, GA. 7 Grandchildren; Adrien Raabe, Olivia and Loral Hess, Garrett and Owen Hess, Quinn and Tristen Sessions. Sister-in-laws, Carolyn (Jerrold) Haley, Deborah (Brett) Overton; brother-in-law, Richard Blunt and several great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul Hess, and premature twin grandchildren Daniel and Lauren Hess.

Special thanks to Kara Jackson from Davita and Sheila Smith with Serenity Hospice.

Kent's visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008. Funeral services will be private and officiated by Rev. Dr. Robert Kopp. Burial in Belvidere Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to North Boone High School Athletic Department. To light a candle or share a memory visit www.AndersonFCS.com