Clair D. Lent

Clair Dean Lent, 83, of Cary, Illinois passed away, peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on January 28th, 2026. He was born 11 minutes before his twin sister, Claudia Jean, in Belmond, Iowa on September 23, 1942, to Claude and Ethel Lent. He grew up with his siblings on the family farm in Floyd, Iowa.

In the early 60’s he served honorably as an MP on a base in Germany, near the French border. Here, he made many life-long friends. He returned back home to the states but relocated to Chicago. There he started a new career and fine-tuned his carpentry skills. His work on the elevators of the John Hancock building is one of the proud examples of his work skills.

Clair was blessed with a daughter, Lisa. He taught her many things from skiing, to cooking, to carpentry. He also shared his love of travel with her, taking her to France a few times. He loved to travel, but Alaska captured his heart, so he “cashed out” and bought a home and business in Seldovia, Alaska. He lived there for almost 3 decades and began his second career in “high level politics” as the Mayor of Seldovia (population roughly 250). He dedicated himself to renovating the town’s rundown cemetery and was greatly appreciated for all his hard work there.

In his later years he came to Cary, Illinois to be near his family. He enjoyed regular visits, dinners and playing card games with family and friends. He is dearly missed and will be remembered for being dedicated and hardworking, generous and a great mentor to many, adventurous and having a great sense of humor.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Lisa Lent, devoted grandchildren Raven Reck (Johnathon Reck) and Brandon Craig, two beloved great-grandchildren J.D. and Linda Reck, one remaining sibling; his brother, Charles Lent, and many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, who lovingly referred to him as Uncle Bubby.

The family will be having a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, June 13th, at the home of his granddaughter. If you would like to be contacted with more information on this, please reach out to a family member.