Byron Banitt

Byron Frederick Banitt, 81, Red Wing, died Wednesday at his daughter's home in Welch. He was born September 10, 1926 in Zumbrota, the son of Frederick and Helen (Nelson) Banitt. He was a 1942 graduate of Zumbrota High School and then served in the US. Navy from February 12, 1944 to May 19, 1946. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Zumbrota and married Bobbi Kern. In 1971 he founded Banitt Motors which he owned and operated until semi-retiring in 1995. He continued to sell automobiles for Red Wing Automotive and was a pre-need specialist for Mahn Family Funeral Homes. He also farmed raising emus and livestock. Bobbi died on April 3, 2005. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and as an usher and was also a member of the Leo C. Peterson American Legion #54. He had a strong work ethic and enjoyed going to the car races watching his son Brad race.

Survivors include his two children, Robyn (John) Banitt-Pelehos of Welch and Brad Banitt of Red Wing; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, Ronald Banitt of Zumbrota; one sister, Phyllis (Duane) French of Rochester. He was preceded in death by his wife.

Memorial service will be 3 pm Saturday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be in Zumbrota Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Barb (Michael) Gartner, Samantha Jo Ellefson, Adaam Ellefson, Haley and Jessica Banitt and his great-grandchild, Bailey Gartner. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to donor's choice.