Elton Heath

Elton Marion Heath, born on October 7, 1935, in Livonia Township, Sherburne County, Minnesota, to Harold and Inez (Anderson) Heath, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He grew up on a family farm in rural Princeton, Minnesota, where he graduated high school in 1954.

Elton proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard before dedicating his service to the U.S. Army during the latter part of the Korean War. Following his military service, he returned to farming alongside his father, where they cultivated crops, hay, dairy, pigs, and turkeys. Elton later transitioned to a successful career in construction, specializing in building steel structures and asbestos abatement, eventually spending many years with Federal Cartridge in Anoka, Minnesota, until his retirement. He actively participated in the Princeton American Legion, where he was a valued member of the color guard.

A passionate outdoorsman, Elton loved hunting and fishing and traveled extensively across the United States and around the world, with Normandy, France, being one of his most memorable destinations. His trips to Canada were particularly special as they allowed him to connect with family and cousins.

In the late 1990s, Elton made the significant decision to sell the farm and relocate to Davenport, Iowa, where he could be near his beloved grandson, Albert. The bond between Elton and Albert was extraordinarily close, and he cherished being an active presence in Al's life. In 2009, life brought him to Moorhead, Minnesota, where he thrived in the company of new friends, enjoyed mall walking, and engaged in many spirited games of cribbage. His spiritual life was important to him; he found peace and solace at the Hawley Alliance Church and Lighthouse Church in Fargo.

In the later stages of his life, Elton resided at the North Dakota Veterans Home in Lisbon for about a year before moving to St. Catherine South Campus in Fargo, where he continued to receive care.

Elton is survived by his devoted grandson, Albert Goranson of Moorhead, Minnesota; his daughter, Barb Goranson of Princeton, Minnesota; two sisters, Carol (Ken) Carling of Princeton, Minnesota, and Pinky (Ronald) Pendergrass of Ramsey, Minnesota; five grandchildren—Brittany Goranson, Brandon Goranson, Al Goranson, Anna Longanecker, and Leah Goranson; great grandchildren: Ashley, Riley, and Lacey Goranson, along with several nieces, nephews, and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Christine Heath; grandsons, Dand Goranson and Eric Goranson; his parents, Harold and Inez Heath; and siblings, Vernon Heath, Clarice Nitti, Merlin Heath, Faye Deuel, and Kaye Dahle.

Elton Marion Heath will be remembered for his warmth, resilience, and the love he shared with his family and friends. He leaves behind a rich legacy that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KorsmoFuneralService.com 

A tentative Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, March 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM, at The Lighthouse Church in Fargo, ND. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service. 

A joint burial of cremains with his sister Clarice Nitti will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Oak Knoll Cemetery in Princeton, MN with military honors for Elton provided by the Princeton American Legion.