November 03, 2024

Heartbreaking news this morning .. He was the best of us …Diane (Durst)Cohan, highschool classmate.  Hugs and love to the family .

June 20, 2024

Kent was my Chargé d’Affaires in Rangoon Burma during a particularly important time to support the democracy movement confronting a brutal military dictatorship.   Kent was a model of strategic thought and action to support some of the bravest people I had ever met, the young activists of the National League for Democracy and their leaders Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo and others facing down brutal armed with the strength of their convictions that “might is not right.”   In addition to supporting the non-violent democracy movement, Kent navigated a complex Washington DC environment that enabled us to provide lifesaving aid to those who were exposed to HIV.  Untold lives were saved due to Kent effectiveness in navigating the hard-ball politics of Washington.   I learned so much from him and was honored that he and Janice came to my swearing-in ceremony as Ambassador to Burkina Faso.   Fair winds and following seas.  May a calm atoll in the Marshall Islands offer respite to Kent who worked so hard for others. 
Ambassador Andrew Young

October 11, 2023

Dear Jan,
Pam and I are so very sorry to hear of your sad loss. We both have such happy memories of our time together in Yangon, when Kent are I were regularly lampooned in the pro-junta press as the evil “axe-handles” (a peculiarly Burmese insult). Kent was the epitome of all that was finest in the US Foreign Service – always calm and measured, even under pressure. He was also a caring and empathetic human being and we feel so privileged to have had him and you as close friends. Please extend our sympathy too to dear Conrad whom we also remember with much affection.
With all our love
Robert and Pam Gordon

September 30, 2023

 
 
I remember visiting Aunt Jan and Uncle Kent when I was little.  I remember playing in the snow with him, I remember marveling at all of his photos with presidents and government officials in the house.
But most of all I remember him taking me to the White House.  I remember him trying to show me the rose garden, we made it a few steps in before being escorted out by Secret Service agents.  Elementary-age me didn’t have the clearance that Uncle Kent did, but boy was he important.  I also remember him taking me to see the Oval Office, I wasn’t allowed in so I dropped my camera over the velvet rope so that I could just step in for a moment.  (Was that my idea or Uncle Kent’s?  I’m not quite sure.)  I’m pretty sure Uncle Kent was a large part of the reason I wanted to be president for several years of my childhood. (And Aunt Jan and Uncle Kent were the reason I believed that I could be the first woman president.)
 
My daughter’s childhood and view of family was shaped when they invited her to visit them and stay with them, the same way they had invited me as a child, especially since she has no living family on her father’s side.  They helped to broaden her world the same way they did mine.  Aunt Jan and Uncle Kent both managed to travel the planet and still have roots at home with family, even though their “home” was never in the same place for too long.  
 
I’m forever grateful that Uncle Kent was a part of my family.  Erin Havstad

September 25, 2023

Dear Jan, we are so very sorry to learn of Kent’s passing. Please know are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Will and Kathy Conley

September 25, 2023

Dear Jan, please know you are in our thoughts. The news deeply saddens Molly, Jacob, and I. Sending love and praying for your comfort. He was a wonderful Uncle and role model. 
Julie Lincoln

September 19, 2023

Jan,
I was optimistic that we could all reconnect after our high school graduation 60 years ago. You and Kent were such nice, accomplished individuals. Your love has lasted so long. This has been difficult for Kent, you and your family.  I thought of you both often. My condolences on your tremendous loss.The world, too, has  lost a true servant of the people. My love and sympathies to you. 
Pat Ferguson

September 17, 2023

Kent Wiedemann was my brother-in-law for 57 years. I was privy to many of his adventures and, since my travel experiences were limited, I loved listening to him. He was a great storyteller and history teacher, and I don’t think he ever quenched his thirst for learning. 

However, no matter where they went, Jan and Kent always seemed to make it home to California so that they could keep Conrad in touch with his grandparents and cousins. Family was most important to Kent.  He understood that children needed both roots and wings.

Kent and Jan always invited us to visit in the many places they lived. I now regret that we weren’t able to see their homes in Micronesia, Poland, Hawaii, Myanmar, Singapore, Israel, and Cambodia. However, we did manage to travel with our son Derek to China back in 1987.  (His teacher said visiting other countries would offer him a better educational experience than she ever could.). I will never forget how our two light haired, light eyed all American boys were continually asked to pose for pictures by the Chinese tourists as we visited the ancient sights in and around Beijing. 

 When they returned to the states we visited Kent and Jan in Washington DC, San Diego, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.  All 3 of my children were able to spend time with Uncle Kent in one place or another.  Kent was the ultimate travel guide and Jan the ultimate hostess. Later on, when Kent retired from the Foreign Service, Eric and I were able to vacation with them and because of them, we were able to step out of our comfort zone and see some of the world. Jan was the best travel agent (she made all of the arrangements) but Kent researched and shared his learnings about each place as well as the history at each port. It was because of our many vacations and good times  together that we were able to appreciate our differences and really enjoy each others company. 

 Kent Wiedemann was a kind, loving, smart, and brave man. He faced his diagnosis of ALS as he faced all of his many challenges in life, with researched understanding and integrity. 

I am grateful to have been a part of Kent’s life. He and the lessons he taught me will not be forgotten. 

 
Debbie Havstad

September 17, 2023

Patrick and Anita Flood extend our condolences on the passsing of Wied Wiedemann, an outstanding member of the US Foreign Service.  He brought dignity to all of his assigsnments.  It was an honor to serve with  him.  
Patrick Flood

September 12, 2023

Uncle Kent always embodied the perfect diplomat.  He had a way of making everyone feel valued and important, and saw that every individual had something to offer.  I will always remember how he spoke with me, as both a child and an adult, as someone of worth.
Evan Havstad and Hannah Brosveen

September 10, 2023

Jan,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We never got to know Kent very well but we knew he was a reflection of your kind, capable, thoughtful attitude toward life.  And we appreciate getting to know you both in even the smallest way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Ruby Miller

September 10, 2023

Dear Jan, We are deeply sorry for your loss! It was a privilege and pleasure to have Kent in our lives and we treasure our time together – travels (remember the Yosemite fun?), dinners, and thoughtful conversations. We learned a lot from Kent and he always gave us new and interesting perspectives to consider. We cherish the wonderful memories of our times together.  Bob & Linda Jenkins

September 09, 2023

Dear Jan, I am deeply sorry for your loss. The words can’t express how Kent impacted the world: with his kindness, brightness, patience and passion of discovery. He made me feel brave, when I was scared. He made me feel like I am worth something. He made me feel safe. Not only me, as he was a spark that made people shine. Thank you and Kent, for welcoming me into your home and life – I could not be me, without you. I love you always. My family and I, cannot thank you enough. Julia Borowczyk 

September 09, 2023

Kent and Jan were the best part of our trip to France in 2019 where we met them. It was an instant friendship and we shared many interests. Kent was always bright and engaging. We only wish we’d met them 20 years earlier. Our hearts go out to Kent’s family for their loss. Raymond and Marla Austin

September 08, 2023

I very much enjoyed my interaction with Kent and Jan at our Traditions of American here in Lititz.  Kent had such an interesting, and I’m sure rewarding, career in the US State Department and he had lived in so many parts of the word serving his country.  And even before joining the State Department their time in the Peace Corps in Micronesia.  He served so many people in his life.  God Bless Kent  

September 08, 2023

Jan
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Please accept our most sincere sympathy. 
Vivian Silvestri and Steve Reynolds 

September 08, 2023

Jan
Sorry to hear of Kent’s passing.  Our deepest condolences 
George & Sheila Violand

September 08, 2023

Jan,
 
Words seem inadequate to express both my sadness at Kent’s passing and a desire to celebrate his life. We shared many interests and explored history and foreign policy in both private conversations and through the book club he led so well. He could be a congenial partner or a formidable opponent at the bridge table, but all for the love of the game. Above all, he was aa warm and caring human being and I cherish the friendship that Emily and I had with you and him. Our prayers and support are with you. 
Lowell Wenger

September 08, 2023

Jan, there are so many memories of Kent that I will carry with me: His warmth, his hugs upon greeting me, his entertaining bridge play and banter and his passion for the work he did overseas. I learned a lot from him when he shared his experiences with me. Thank you for being such dear friends. Kent will be sorely missed but his warmth and spirt for living will always be with me and with all those who’s lives he touched. 
Emily

September 07, 2023

Dear Jan and family.  Our sincere condolences for your loss. Kent was an exceptional guy as a husband, father and grand father and public servant. We cherish the memories of our good times together at St. James and our visits with you in California.  
Bill & Ming

September 07, 2023

I was the office manager for Ambassador Kent Wiedemann in Cambodia from 1999 to 2001. Kent was a caring and very considerate “boss” and well loved and respected by both the American and Cambodian embassy staff.  We became good friends and our friendship endures to this day.  My husband and I will miss Kent’s joyfull demeanor and positive outlook on life and send our most heartfelt condolences to his family. 
Elka and Charles Hortoland

September 07, 2023

Dear Jan,
sending you a big hug and wishes for strength and peace these coming days. I count among my life’s blessings sharing Peace corps years with you and Kent on Onoun, and that we had the opportunities to get together in our later years.  Thanks for your inspiring friendship.
love to you and family, olenom
Steve Hayden

September 07, 2023

Janice, I wish I could just wrap you in my arms. You have been on my mind so often. It’s hard to believe that we just met you guys this time last year.
I loved learning more about the wonderful life you shared and all the amazing things Kent did.
 I know you’re going to miss him terribly. Fifty six years together is quite an accomplishment.
 I’m holding you in my thoughts and am certain Kent is in paradise waiting for you to join him. Love to you and if you ever want some time away please come visit us in Atlanta. 
Mike & Betsy Rohrbaugh

September 07, 2023

Kent was always the golden boy in my estimation. Handsome, capable, super smart, very nice to everyone, and devoted to his wife Janice and family. Such a loss. We were lucky to know him. Love, Betsy