Keith Lowell Gillette

Keith Lowell Gillette, 79, of Brownsdale, MN passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Prairie Manor Nursing Home in Blooming Prairie, MN. Keith was born on March 20, 1946, to Robert and Grace (Schnirring) Gillette at the Miller Hospital in St. Paul, MN. After his birth, his parents moved to Waltham, MN and a few years later moved to the family farm, Homestead Acres, near Brownsdale, MN. He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in St. Paul and was confirmed at the Presbyterian Church in Hayfield. He attended Brownsdale Elementary School and graduated from Hayfield High School. He also attended Austin Vocational School. On November 25, 1967, Keith was united in marriage to Charlotte Wencl at the Methodist Church in Blooming Prairie. They lived in Austin, MN for a short time and then moved to Brownsdale. Keith farmed with his father on the family farm and on the farms he purchased. He raised many vegetable crops for Owatonna Canning Company. Upon his retirement from farming, he worked at Welsh Co. near Dodge Center. Keith enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He taught each of them how to fish and he taught his left-handed grandsons how to tie their shoes. He also took each of them out driving and taught them how to parallel park. Keith is survived by his wife, Charlotte Gillette of Brownsdale, MN; his son, Ryan (Sara) Gillette of Brownsdale, MN; his daughter, Andrea (Kristian) Swensson of Blaine, MN; and his grandchildren, William, Steven, and Betsy Gillette of Brownsdale, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Grace Gillette. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield, MN. A private family service will be held. Inurnment will be held at later date in Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale, MN. Memorials are suggested to your favorite charity or church. To share a special memory or condolence please, visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd Street NW, Hayfield, Minnesota, 507-477-2259. Blessed be his memory.