Aidan C. Zent - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

February 3, 2001 - April 21, 2021


Aidan Christopher Zent

Aidan was born on February 3, 2001 and grew up in Richfield, Minnesota. He graduated from the Academy of Holy Angels in 2019, and was a sophomore at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Swenson College of Science and Engineering. Aidan had a dry sense of humor, a bright, beautiful smile, and a great laugh. He had a deep voice which jumped an octave or two whenever he exclaimed about something. He was six and a half feet tall and proud of every inch. He got a kick out of towering over people.

As a kid he loved reading about bugs and dinosaurs, and he could pretty much identify them all. His brain seemed to have a limitless capacity for knowledge. He used to draw giant chalk sharks on the driveway, and cut them out of paper. His favorite meal was homemade spaghetti, a special family recipe. He drank gallons of apple cider in the fall. He loved Legos. He liked to juggle a soccer ball and tried to palm any ball he found with his long fingers. He enjoyed catching fish at the lake, and skipping or throwing rocks on any shoreline. He was very competitive when it came to playing any kind of game – he wanted to win. He wouldn’t stop working on a puzzle until every last piece was connected. Aidan was passionate in his unique music taste and loved sharing new songs he had discovered with anyone who would listen. He liked to drive, and never complained about having to fold his long legs into a vehicle that looked like it was impossibly small for him. He liked to hike and see new places, and he never lost his childish desire to explore the world around him. He traveled to Europe on a high school trip and had some amazing adventures and experiences there. He loved dogs, especially Echo, who he grew up with, and Lainey, who is still waiting for her boy to come home.

Aidan was extremely loyal. He felt things deeply, even though he didn’t always share them out loud. He truly cared for his friends and family, and looked forward to spending time with all of them. He was only with us for 20 years, which was nowhere near long enough. The world was a better place with him in it, and our lives will never again feel whole now that he’s gone.

Aidan is survived by his parents, Terry and Kathy (Shea) Zent, and his younger sister, Kyleigh. We loved him with everything we had and will miss him every day. He also leaves behind loving grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

Because of limited seating, it is necessary to register for the Mass at https://www.strichards.com

Click here to watch Aidan’s Mass of Christian Burial.




10 Comments

  1. Betsy McMenomy says:

    Dear Kathy, Terry and Kyleigh,
    I am so sad to hear about your son, Aiden. I am keeping you in my prayers and sending many hugs to all of you.

    Love
    Betsy McMenomy

  2. Marianna Sullivan says:

    The Sullivans wish to express our sincere condolences. There are no words to comfort with a loss so large. You will be in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.

  3. Rosemary Rockwell says:

    My heart hurts for you. Aidan was a gift you had for 20 years–much too short of a time. Eternal rest to Aidan and peace and prayers for all of his dear ones.

  4. The Chittenden family says:

    Our hearts hurt for your loss. sending prayers

  5. Kristi Kropp says:

    Terry, Kathy, and Kyleigh – My son knew Aidan from UMD, and shared with me your tragic loss. I am so sorry that your precious son and brother is no longer with you. You will be in my prayers.

  6. Mary Jo Norum says:

    Our hearts are breaking with you. Sending you prayers of love, that will continue daily.

    The Greg Norum Family

  7. Carol Campbell says:

    My heart aches for all of you!!! Holding you in prayer,

  8. Suzanne Engel Zobitz says:

    Kathy, Terry & Kyleigh,
    My heart aches for you all. Know that I am holding you close to my heart in prayer. ❤️
    Suzanne Engel Zobitz

  9. Nicole Sloboden says:

    I am so sorry! Many thoughts and prayers to your family!

  10. Christine Anderson says:

    Aiden was a gift to the world. My deepest condolences on the loss of your smart, talented, kind son and brother. I send many prayers your way.

Leave a Condolence Message:

Condolence messages are moderated by our staff and therefore may take up to 48 hours to appear. Thank you for your patience.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *