Steven R. Heath

Steven R. Heath, 77, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 1, surrounded by family at his home.

Steve was born December 19, 1944, the son of William and Catherine Alice Heath. Steve grew up in Hopkins, attending elementary school at Immaculate Heart of Mary and high school at Our Lady of the Ozarks Seminary in Carthage, Missouri. While he did not become a priest, he did learn the French National Anthem, which he sang at every opportunity. Steve returned to Minnesota and graduated from the University of  St. Thomas in St. Paul. He began his career at Packaging Incorporated in Minnetonka as a delivery driver, eventually becoming President and CEO.

Steve met his future wife, Ruth Harpenau, at “Saturday Nighters” through CYO. They married in 1968 and raised 4 children, building a home at 18100. Steve and Ruth were members of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Wayzata. Steve enjoyed roadtripping and traveling, he was endlessly curious and always interested in meeting new people. He relished early morning coffee at the family cabin in Cornucopia overlooking Lake Superior. Steve could be found at OPH most mornings, bantering with customers and staff alike. He was always game to try new food, particularly when it came with a story and a celebration. He was a dedicated family man, proud of his children and grandchildren, and had a sharp wit and sparkling smile that put people at ease. He will be deeply missed. His family is extremely thankful to all who cared for him during his courageous battle with brain cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth. Brothers, William and Daniel, Sister-in-law Jane. His children, Christopher (Laura), Peter (Linda), Michael (Jill) and Theresa, and his grandchildren, Alexander, Kylie, McKinley, Stella, Amelia, Lillian, and Lincoln. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law Bernadette.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 10, from 5 to 7 at Gearty Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37Th Ave N. and Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata on Friday, November 11, at 11 am. Visitation will begin at 10.

Memorials to Meals on Wheels, Banyan Community, Interfaith Outreach or Heart of America.