Keith Russell Aanenson, 78, Luverne, died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, with a prayer service and time of sharing at 7:30 p.m., at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. To live-stream the service, go to www.facebook.com/DingmannFH.
Keith Aanenson was born Aug. 2, 1942, to Russell and Florence (Sibson) Aanenson in Luverne. He 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 Oct. 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 of Luverne; three children, Carrie (Rick) Van Santen of Luverne, Sheila (Ron) Johannes of Willmar, and Corey (Kyle) Aanenson of Moorhead; nine 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; and three brothers, Lee (Caryl) Aanenson of Oakdale, Al (Jan) Aanenson of Dent, and Gene (Deb) Aanenson of Luverne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Terry and Dale Aanenson; and sisters-in-law Barb Elcock and Marvie Aanenson.
Arrangements are provided by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne, dingmannandsons.com.
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