Larry A. Heidt

Mass of Christian Burial for Larry Armin Heidt, 66, of Aberdeen, will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 22, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, with Father J. Joseph Holzhauser, Celebrant.

Larry's wishes were to be cremated with burial taking place at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at the mortuary, with a Liturgical Wake Service held at 7:00 p.m.

Larry passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015, at his home in Aberdeen. Blessed be his memory.

Larry Armin Heidt was born on June 15, 1948, to Armin and Betty Lou (Kettleson) Heidt in Bismarck, ND. He grew up in Wing, ND, on the family hobby farm. As a youngster, Larry was very active in 4-H Achievement Days. He attended school in Wing and graduated from Wing High School with the Class of 1966. He furthered his education at North Dakota State University and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1971. While attending college, Larry played baseball and was very involved in Little International Livestock.

Larry was employed as a butcher at Lindy's Locker and worked at the family bowling alley and at the Cenex Station before beginning his career as a food inspector for the USDA in 1971. In 1974, the USDA transferred him to Aberdeen, SD, where he met his soul mate and best friend, Mary Ann Clemens. They were married on January 18, 1975, and to their union, one son, Nathan Armin Heidt was born on May 3, 1980. Larry continued his career as a food inspector until 1982 during which time he also was employed with H&R Block part-time. In 1984 he was employed as a clerk, then delivery supervisor, for the United States Postal Service, where he remained until the time of his retirement in 2004. Larry continued to work part-time for H&R Block from 2005 until 2012.

Larry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aberdeen and was an active member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), where he served as treasurer.

Larry continued his love of baseball playing in baseball and softball leagues in Aberdeen. He loved traveling the country to visit as many professional baseball stadiums as possible. Larry and his brothers were also avid sports card collectors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and during retirement, spending countless hours on the golf course with his golf buddies.

Above all, Larry enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Adelyn, whom he loved playing with. He was anxiously awaiting the birth of a grandson in February.

Larry was a compassionate man dedicated to family and friends. He was always first in line to lend a helping hand. With strength and determination, Larry survived pancreatic cancer for over four years.

Blessed to have shared Larry's life is his wife, Mary Ann of Aberdeen; his son, Nathan and wife, Nalie Lee-Heidt, and granddaughter, Adelyn Heidt of Roseville, MN; three brothers: Rick (Sherryl) Heidt of Bismarck, ND, Jackie Heidt of Wing, ND, and Kirby (Kayde) Heidt of Des Moines, IA; six brother-in-laws: Gordon (Shirley) of Coon Rapids, MN, Connie (Ruth) of Northville, SD, Darlo (Martha) of La Jolla, CA, Curtis of Northville, SD, Mick (Shirley) of Northville, SD, and Rich (Jan) of Ramsey, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were dear to him.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Armin and Betty Lou, brother-in-law Bernard Clemens, and sister-in-law Irene Clemens.

The Heidt family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Conklin's Office and Nurses along with the Avera St. Luke's 3rd Floor Nursing Staff for their kindness and wonderful, compassionate care they gave Larry during his illness.