Keith Aanenson

KEITH RUSSELL AANENSON, age 78, of Luverne, died Sunday, January 17, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born August 2, 1942, in Luverne, to Russell and Florence (Sibson) Aanenson. Keith grew up on the family farm near Magnolia. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1960 and then attended Worthington Community College. After graduation, he worked at the creamery hauling milk.

Keith married Audrey Umland on October 12, 1963, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. The couple lived in Luverne. Keith worked in law enforcement as well as operating his locksmith business, which he took over from his father. He was also a greeter at the Luverne High School and an employee of the Dingmann Funeral Home. He served as the Luverne Chief of Police for 19 of his 45 years in law enforcement. After he retired, Keith transported prisoners for Rock County. He was an EMT and DARE Volunteer.

He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, where he served as an Elder and video recorded services. Keith was also a member of the Luverne Optimist Club, CCSI, his morning coffee club and was a Grand Marshal in the Tri-State Band Festival. He enjoyed farming, fishing, traveling on his motorcycle, going on camping trips and spending time with grandchildren, square dancing, driving his convertible, and attending his grandchildren’s events.

Keith is survived by his wife, Audrey Aanenson, Luverne; three children, Carrie (Rick) Van Santen, Luverne; Sheila (Ron) Johannes, Willmar; and Corey (Kyle) Aanenson, Moorhead; ten grandchildren, Brad (Donni) Van Santen, Derek (Morgan) Van Santen, Austin Van Santen, Jacob Van Santen, Mitchell (Moriah) Johannes, Joshua Johannes, Kayla Johannes, Monique Aanenson, Landon Aanenson and Maiah Aanenson; one great-grandchild, Madison Van Santen; three brothers, Lee (Caryl) Aanenson, Oakdale; Al (Jan) Aanenson, Dent; and Gene (Deb) Aanenson, Luverne.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Terry and Dale Aanenson; and a sister-in-laws, Barb Elcock and Marvie Aanenson.

   Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 pm, with prayers and sharing of memories at 7:30 pm, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. Visitation also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Funeral will be Thursday at 10:30 am at St. John Lutheran Church, in Luverne, officiated by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe and Rev. Gary Klatt. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.

      To live stream the funeral service please visit http://www.facebook.com/DingmannFH

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