Keith P. Heaton, age 70, of South Haven, died suddenly on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Cloud Hospital following complications of a recent surgery.
Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in St. Cloud, with visitation starting at 11 a.m. Pastor Joel Kosberg will officiate. Burial will follow at Concordia Lutheran Church Cemetery in Fairhaven.
Keith Perry Heaton was born on July 25, 1956, at the St. Cloud Hospital to Lyle and Marlys (Pramann) Heaton. He grew up on a farm in rural Clearwater. As a teenager, he enjoyed working (aka: funny antics and competing) with his twin brother, Kevin, at their father’s grain elevator in Annandale. Keith graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1974 and pursued his passion for law enforcement at Alexandria Community College. He started his career as an Annandale City Police Officer. From there he went on to serve as a Sergeant with the Wright County Sheriff’s Department for 28 years, making a positive impact on countless lives before retiring in 2007.
On September 28, 1974, Keith married Rita Abeln. Together, they had two children. Rita preceded him in death in December 2020. On February 6, 2026, Keith married Victoria Schroeder in Willmar.
Keith enjoyed being active and productive, whether a project was for himself or for someone else, he was always moving. He found joy in working outdoors, rebuilding and repairing cars, and traveling. Keith loved going for walks around the lake, evening pontoon rides, and long car rides with his wife, Victoria. Above all, Keith delighted in caring for others and spending time with his loved ones. He proudly lived by his law enforcement roots, to “protect and serve”. His generous heart will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
He is survived by his wife, Victoria Heaton; Keith’s two children, Jeff Heaton of Clearwater and Ali (Shaun) Tyznik of Maple Lake; two step-children, Alisha (Robbie) Koopmeiners of South Haven and Alex (Stephanie) Evavold of Clearwater; grandchild, Dakota Heaton; step-grandchildren, Sawyer and Reese Koopmeiners, and Hudson, Hayden and Henley Evavold; sisters, Denise (Barry) Schultz of Annandale and Dawn (Jim) Froelich of Clearwater; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Keith was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Kevin Heaton; and first wife, Rita Heaton.
Shaun Tyznik, Sean Deringer, Heath Gillham, Scott Miller, Bob Ergen, Daniel Schroeder, Chad Peterschick and Anthony Sanchez will serve as Casket bearers. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Annandale.
Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute, and service webcast are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.