Faye Sargent

Faye Ann Sargent passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on March 10, 2025, at the age of 79, following a 10+ year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Faye was born in Winona, MN, on April 17, 1945, to Leo and Della Krogh. The family then moved to Lake City, MN, where Faye grew up. Faye attended Mary E. McCahill Catholic Elementary School through 8th grade, the Villa Maria Academy in Frontenac, MN for her freshman year, and then Lincoln High School in Lake City, MN. Faye was very active as head majorette, class speaker, and valedictorian. Upon graduation, she received the Patton Award, which Mrs. Patton extended through Faye's college years. Faye attended Winona State College for one year before transferring to the University of Minnesota where she majored in English. At the University of Minnesota, her relationship with Forrest grew and they married, following their graduation, on April 8, 1967, in Lake City. The marriage was officiated by Father Henry Russell and Rev. Warren Nyberg in a joint service, which was a first for St. Mary's Catholic Church.

Faye and Forrest lived in Red Wing, MN, from 1967-1979, except for two years (1971-1973) when they lived in Rochester. During that period, Faye and Forrest started the Sargent Nursery business at the north end of the Miracle Mile Shopping Center. They moved permanently to Rochester in 1979. Faye was active in the Red Wing community as a leader in the League of Women Voters (serving as president) and on the state LWV board. Faye was a social worker and then an English teacher in the Red Wing Public Schools until son, Daniel (Dan), was born in 1970. She was a member of the Goodhue County Planning Commission, specializing in land use planning, especially protecting agricultural lands in the county.

In Rochester, Faye continued her active engagement in community activities doing extensive volunteering at Hoover Elementary School and the League of Women Voters. The Ronald McDonald House became her special interest following the illness of her son, Dan. Faye and best friend, Kak Johnson, helped lead the formation of the original Northland House as interior chairpersons. As the Northland House transitioned to the Ronald McDonald House, Faye continued her role as interior chairperson during the construction of the new House. She was honored to have her name on a Benike Construction hard hat. Her commitment to the house continued, serving two terms on the Board of Directors. She was extremely proud of everything the Ronald McDonald House has done for so many families with children suffering from illness.

Faye was an avid gardener, and active business partner in the family horticulture business. In addition to this, she was an adventurous traveler. She loved to camp, hike, and ski - especially in her favorite places along the Minnesota North Shore, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Utah mountains. Faye's primary focus throughout her life was her family. She loved supporting her sons, Dan and Nick with their academic and athletic endeavors, as well as her 5 grandchildren, Sophie, Alec, Max, Paige, and Jay. Every Wednesday was "Grandma Day" and that meant many teaching moments and adventures in and around Olmsted County. These adventures continued in some of the family's favorite locations, especially Caribou Lake in Lutsen, MN, where paddleboat rides with each grandchild and her favorite 5 o'clock pontoon rides were treasured times for all. Sanibel Island, FL, became her favorite winter escape over the last 25 years with more grandma time, walks on the beach, building sandcastles, collecting seashells, bike riding, and exploring nature. Faye's favorite hobbies included miniatures, knitting, photo journals, and especially reading books that met her high standard as an English teacher.

Faye is survived by her husband, Forrest; son Nicholas (Kris Nelson Sargent); daughter-in-law Becky Sargent Niebergall (Jon); grandchildren, Sophie, Alec, Maxwell, Paige, and Jay; sister Linda McCabe (John); brother Lee Krogh (Margaret); and sister-in-law, June Krogh.

Faye was preceded in death by her beloved son, Daniel; parents, Leo and Della Krogh; brother, Gene; and sister, Rita.

The Sargent family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Jeanne Schuld, Faye's in-home caregiver for over five years, the Mayo Hospice program, the Home Instead caregiver team, her Mayo medical team of Dr. Joseph Furst and Dr. Nathan Young, and the entire staff of the Mayo Southeast Medical Center for their compassionate and competent care of Faye.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, with visitation from 10-11:30am at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, MN, honoring Faye.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Sargent family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.