Keith L. Slattery

Keith LeRoy Slattery, age 69, of North Branch, passed away on June 13, 2023, in his home with his wife by his side.
Keith was born in Northeast Minneapolis to Minard and Fern Slattery on June 11, 1954. He graduated from Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis in 1972. He worked at the Viking Food company (later named Aramark) for 30 years filling vending machines. He met Lila Stahl at a garage sale through their mutual friend Bev, and married her on March 11, 1989, in Northeast Minneapolis. Fondly known to everyone as Papa, his passion was woodworking and creating in his shop. He and Lila loved to share their crafts and make beautiful things out of old antiques and repurposing them. Anytime he saw something he liked that was made from wood, he would make it himself. From benches to birdhouses his creations are everywhere. He was a Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan through and through, always knew the weather and had a nickname for everything and everyone. He never hesitated to get down on the floor to play with his grandkids or pick up a squirt gun to start a water fight. His list of jokes were endless and taught all the kids how middle names are hilarious. Often wearing his flannel, Papa loved watching his country westerns and was a fan of John Wayne aka The Duke. Sweets were his favorite and he would sneak the kid's oatmeal cream pies. Code Red was always by his side. His signature move was giving the grandbabies the first taste of ice cream. He was a kind, sincere, loyal and an accepting human who loved his family fiercely. He defied all odds with his health and fought until the end. He was made of steel.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents Minard and Fern Slattery, and brother Roger Slattery.
Keith is survived by his wife Lila Slattery, daughters: Tammy (Jon) Hammer, Sadie (Brad) Tollberg, Tiffany (Josh) Perkins and Michelle (Joe) Bellin. Brothers: Jerry Slattery, Curt (LuAnn) Slattery, and Mike Slattery. Grandsons: Dominic Slattery, Ricky Helgeson III, Aiden Hammer, JC Perkins, Miles Tollberg and Harley Bellin. Granddaughters: Miranda Tollberg, Vivian Perkins, Brooke Bellin and Gracie Perkins. Father-in-Law Everett Stahl and many loved family, friends and neighbors.
A small service for family and close friends will take place at St. John Lutheran Church cemetery in Weber. Flowers or donations may be sent to Lila. Information will be posted when available.
The family would like to thank the Accent Care hospice for the respect, and dignity they gave through the process. The nurses were phenomenal. A special thanks to Pastor Zach O'Neil for supporting the family. Thank you to neighbors Beth and Steve, and Denise and Tom for so much support and care. Thank you to Carol and Bill and Pastor Vicky.
fMiss Me, But Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Maker's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me - but let me go.
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