Everyone at Cowsmopolitan wishes to send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Illinois Holstein breeder Joseph Florent, who left this earth on August 8th.
Joseph Alden Florent, 72, passed on August 8, 2016 in his home in Winifred, MT after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Joe was born March 9, 1944, in Belvidere, IL, to Edward and Lucille (Porter) Florent. After graduating from Marengo Community High School in 1962, Joe took over the family dairy farm north of Marengo, IL. A lifelong farmer, he raised crops and bred a successful herd of purebred cows, Florendale Holsteins.
Joe was a member of both the Illinois and National Holstein Association. The family dairy barn and kitchen table were familiar meeting places for socializing and telling tall tales with friends and salesmen.
Joe loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a longtime member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and numerous other wildlife conservation groups. His need for adventure took him to Montana over ten years ago, where he made his home and many new friends. His numerous trophy mounts reflect his passion for North American wild game.
Joe is survived by his five children, Edward (Lynn) Florent of Poulsbo, WA, Krista (Mark) Gilday of Fredericksburg, VA, Jacqueline (Steve) Fraser of Fergus, Ontario, Molly (Matthew) Sloan of Columbus, WI, and Daniel Florent of Omaha, NE; his six grandchildren, Aerin and Haley Gilday, and Jillian, Jamie, Joey, and Ethan Florent; one sister, Patricia McCarney of Bloomington, Il; one brother Robert (Roz) Florent of Captain Cook, HI; also surviving and cherishing his memory are his former wife Renee Florent of New Glarus, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services for Joseph A. Florent will be held Saturday, August 13th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in Winifred Community Center with interment to follow in the Winifred Cemetery. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Lutheran Church in Winifred, MT and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home.