Watch Keith's Memorial Service

Watch Keith's Prayer Service

Keith Joseph LaVoi, age 76, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully, surrounded by his family at Sanford Broadway Medical Center on July 29, 2026.

Keith was born to Eugene and Caroline (Blaser) LaVoi on October 23, 1949, at the old Mahnomen Hospital. Growing up on the family farm, Keith spent his entire life there, moving only a few yards from his parents' home when he married Rita (Roddy) on November 30, 1974.

Keith attended St. Michael's School in Mahnomen before graduating from Mahnomen High School in 1968. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work alongside his dad and grandpa. Their example shaped the strong work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

As a boy, after finishing his farm chores, Keith enjoyed playing baseball and spending time outdoors with his siblings and neighborhood friends.

Those early days outdoors grew into a lifelong passion for deer hunting. Time spent at deer camp with family and friends became one of his greatest joys.

Keith dairy farmed for 30 years. Following the sale of his herd in 2003, he provided transportation for members of the Day Activity Center, a job he thoroughly enjoyed. He later spent 17 years driving truck for Strata Corporation before retiring in 2023.

Keith was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, where he served on the Finance Council for many years. His faith was an important part of his life. Sunday chores were often finished early so he wouldn't miss Mass.

Keith rarely took a day off. Even as his health declined, he continued doing yard work, spraying weeds, and maintaining the lawn mower whenever he could. Staying busy wasn't something he had to do. It was simply who he was.

Keith had a lifelong curiosity and was largely self-taught. Whether learning to fly, designing buildings, or repairing farm machinery, he enjoyed figuring things out for himself. In the 1980s, he joined the Mahnomen Flying Club and enjoyed taking flying lessons. His favorite hobby, however, was building projects. He designed and constructed numerous buildings around the farm, with his favorite being the deck and screened porch he completed in 2024. Mechanically inclined and patient by nature, he welcomed the challenge of solving problems with farm machinery and rarely backed away from tackling something new.

Keith and Rita were blessed with four spirited boys: Brent, Jerry, Randy, and Craig. Their home was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of adventure. Growing up on the farm meant spending time with their dad and grandparents every day.

A good listener with a positive outlook on life, Keith made friends easily and enjoyed visiting with others, especially when the conversation turned to deer hunting or stories from years gone by. His example of simple, quiet, and peaceful living was admired by family and friends. Patient, dependable, persevering, and content with life's simple pleasures, Keith found joy in his family, his work, and time spent with those he loved. The way Keith lived his life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Brent (Jody) of Sauk Centre, MN; Jerry (Heidi) of Leawood, KS; Randy of Fargo, ND; and Craig (Kristine) of Underwood, MN; grandchildren, Zander, Brianna, Jackson, Matthew, Varo, and Logan; one brother, Gary (Diana) of Prior Lake, MN; two sisters, Debra Erickson of Pelican Rapids, MN, and Colleen Oliver of Lacey's Spring, AL; brothers-in-law, Chuck (Carolyn) Holmes and Bill (Jan) Roddy; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Henricks and Ellen Collins; and many nieces and nephews.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Lucille Roddy; brothers-in-law, Ardean Erickson, Lelon Oliver, Dick Roddy, and Gary Collins; sisters-in-law, Pat Kubik and Joan Holmes; and nephew, Scott Henricks.

Blessed be the memory of Keith Joseph LaVoi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Michael's School- 501 1st St S.W., Mahnomen, MN, 56557, in Keith's memory.