Jeffrey Banitt

Jeffrey William Banitt, age 65 of Cannon Falls, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, St. Mary's Campus.

Jeffrey was born the youngest of eight children to Donald and Adeline (Groth) Banitt. He attended Cannon Falls High School and later went on to study agriculture at the University of Minnesota, Waseca.

He married Sheri LeClair on June 6, 1981, at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. They moved the family dairy herd to Kenyon and worked on it together in the early years of their marriage.

Jeff was currently working at Spectro Alloys. Jeff was a selfless, loyal, and hardworking man, who was there for everyone and for whatever was needed! He was a farmer at heart and kept busy with home chores and taking care of his bird dogs. He loved music, especially the Beatles, music trivia, and all the Back to the Future movies.

Jeff had a strong faith and found salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

He will be remembered most for his love of family and laughter, and the way he generously cared for the people and animals who were fortunate to know him.

He will be deeply missed by his family... his wife of 43 years, Sheri; daughters, Heidi Banitt of St. Paul and Dana Banitt and husband, Sean Kelsey of Richfield; sister, Mary (Ismael) Toledo of Hastings; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Banitt of Welch and Fay Banitt of Cannon Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol (Arvel) Mitchener; and brothers, Theodore, Howard (Judy), Jerry, Richard, and Michael (Janice).

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. A memorial service will be on Thursday, June 13 at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 am, at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 30289 59th Ave Way, Cannon Falls. Interment will follow at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.

Active urn bearers will be Heidi Banitt, Dana Banitt, and Sean Kelsey. Honorary urn bearers will be Shannon Johnson and Shayne Johnson.

Memorials may be given in Jeff's name to the Cannon Falls Food Shelf.