Vernon Heath

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Heath, Vernon Vernon Heath died peacefully on Sunday, April 16 at Friendship Village, Bloomington. He was 88. Vern was a devoted family man, inspiring leader, good friend, and man of deep faith. He was born February 1, 1929 in McGregor, MN. Preceded in death by parents, Harold and Inez Heath; sisters, Faye Deuel and Kaye Heath Dahle, and brother, Merlin Heath. He is survived by Iona, his loving wife of 58 years; children, Brad (Sharon) Heath, Robin Gray, Randall (Christine) Heath; grandchildren, Ben, Sam, and Jon Heath, and Andrew, Kristy, Tony Gray; siblings Clarice Nitti, Elton Heath, Pinky (Ron) Pendergrass, Carol (Ken) Carling and Jim Spillet; brothers-in-law Floyd Duel and Art (Karen) Dahle; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Vern graduated from Princeton High School in 1947 and the University of Minnesota in 1950 with a degree in accounting from what is now the Carlson School of Management. After graduation, he worked as a business manager at the University's Aeronautical Research Center in Rosemount. In 1956, Heath and two colleagues founded Rosemount Engineering, Inc. and began to manufacture high-tech sensors and process-control instruments. Their prescience led to Rosemount becoming a vanguard in the manufacture of devices for space travel. When Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969, he carried Rosemount devices. Vern was a well-respected entrepreneur whose vision and leadership took his company from start up to international leader. He was an innovative, tenacious individual who met personal and business challenges with great energy and optimism. He was a generous philanthropist whose advice and support have benefited many organizations and individuals. Vern will be forever remembered by all the lives he touched during his long and abundant life. Memorial Service 10:00 AM Saturday, April 22, 2017 at ST. ANDREW LUTHERAN CHURCH (13600 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie). Visitation 4:30-7:30 PM Friday at Washburn-McReavy (5000 W 50th St, Edina, MN 55436) (952) 920-3996, and also one hour prior to service at the church on Saturday. Private Interment at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Princeton, MN.

Published on April 20, 2017