Kent Bothwell

Kent Bothwell, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, died on October 17, 2026, at Broen Home in Fergus Falls. He was born on June 30, 1951, in Huron, South Dakota, the son of Dewain and Annie (Tschetter) Bothwell.

Kent built a life marked by dedication to education, athletics, and the outdoors. A graduate of Pacifica High School’s Class of 1969, he went on to earn his master’s degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings in 1983. He became a college instructor and head baseball coach at Fergus Falls Community College, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2010.

Baseball was at the center of Kent’s professional life, and he gave himself fully to his players and to the program he helped shape. Under his leadership, the Spartan baseball team won Minnesota State Championships in 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2004, he guided the team to the Region XIII Championship, and that team went on to play in the World Series in Batavia, New York. Kent poured his heart and passion into baseball, not only through coaching, but also through his commitment to the field itself. He led the complete renovation of the baseball field and grounds, a project made possible through fundraising by players and family along with support from community donations. He also coached VFW baseball in Fergus Falls, extending his influence to even more young athletes. In addition to his work in athletics, he taught First Responder and CPR training and enjoyed leading Outdoor Recreation classes to the Boundary Waters and the Black Hills for backpacking experiences.

Kent’s interests reflected his energetic spirit and love of the natural world. He enjoyed watching sports and especially loved following the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Minnesota Twins. He also found great happiness in backpacking, hiking, canoeing, cycling, snowshoeing, and camping. Among his greatest joys was teaching his children to play ball, sharing with them the game that meant so much to him.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Bothwell of Fergus Falls; his daughter, Tera Kortan of Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and her husband, Kevin Kortan; and his son, Nick Bothwell of Moorhead. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Dylan and his wife Bailey Kortan, Kaylee Robb, Kate Robb, Kyanne Kortan, and Kennedy Kortan. He is also survived by his sisters, Cindy Bishop and Tanya Yost, and by his brothers-in-law, Dick Bishop and Dan Yost. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewain and Annie Bothwell; son, Klint Bothwell and brother, Monte Bothwell.

Kent Bothwell will be remembered for the passion he brought to teaching, the leadership he showed on and off the field, and the lasting encouragement he gave to students, players, family, and friends. His life’s work left a meaningful mark on his community, and his memory will remain with all who knew and loved him.

No services will be held per Kent’s request. A private prayer service will be held for family and Kent will be buried by his son Klint in South Dakota.

Arrangements entrusted with the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

Condolences may be sent to www.glendenilson.com