Peter Willard Heydt

Peter Willard Heydt, 79, of Crookston, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was born in Crookston on June 5, 1945, to parents Willard and Marian (Charron) Heydt. 

Peter grew up in Crookston and graduated from High School with the class of 1963. A few years after graduating, in 1966, Peter enlisted into the U.S. Navy and was shipped off to San Diego, CA for basic training. Peter proudly served from 1966 to 1975 in the Navy Seabees, during that time he fought in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. Throughout his years in the service, Peter was stationed all over the world in places like the South Pole, Antarctica, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, all while working as a construction electrician in the Navy. 

While Peter was in Vietnam, he served in Base Maintenance as the Chief Electrician on Patrol River Boats. Peter returned to the U.S. in 1973 to continue his Military career, he went for training and was qualified as a Nuclear Power Plant Operator, serving at the Navy Nuclear Shore Base Power Plant in Fort Belvoir, VA. In 1974, Pete was honorably discharged from duty at Pensacola Florida as a CB Construction Electrician 1st Class. Pete was discharged with numerous medals and honors, such as the Navy Commendation Medal for his work in Antarctica, his Vietnam Service Medal, Antarctic Service Medal, the Civil Act Medal, and many more.

After the Navy, Pete began his own business “Pete’s Amusement Company,” which he ran from 1975-1980 in Crookston. He joined the Las Vegas, NV, police department from 1981-1982 before being hired by the Hilton Corporation to work as a Slot Manager for the next two years. From there, Pete joined the US Postal Service in Crookston where he worked until retiring in 2004 after twenty years of faithful service to the community. Pete always had to be busy, he couldn’t just be retired, shortly after the post office Pete drove the school bus in Crookston and became known as, “Pete the Cat,” by all the kids. Pete truly loved this role and engaging with all of the kids on the bus every day. 

On August 10, 2013, Pete married his beloved wife, Shirley (Goosen) Nielsen, and together they combined their families to have six children: Michelle, Heather, Cindy, Marcia, Joshua, and Brandon. The next eleven years were some of the happiest of their lives. Pete loved his family, and he loved his community and was incredibly involved in it, being a member of such associations as Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Crookston which he won an Honor Award for in 2019, the Lions Club, Masons, Shriners, Eagles Club 873, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, and was—at one time—on the board of directors for the Golden Link. Pete was recognized several times over the years for his service to the community, also being recognized as Senior Citizen of Polk County in 2018, Experienced American Award, OSPY Award, and Veteran of the Year in 2019. Aside from his love for his family, country, and community, Pete also loved to golf and attend the Western MN Steam Threshers. He was an honorable man of integrity who will be greatly missed by his family and the community that loved him. 

Pete is survived by his wife, Shirley Nielsen; Children: Michelle (Eric) Halberg of Las Vegas, NV, Heather (Scott) Socha of Town and Country, MO, Cindy (Todd McMillan) Heydt of Akron, OH, Marcia (Steve) Haglund of Crookston, Joshua (Natalie) Nielsen of Kindred, ND, and Brandon (Chrysti) Nielsen of Williston, ND; Grandchildren: Chris, Stephanie (Justin), Jake (Ashley), Jonas, Shaylee, Caleb, Abby, Felicia, Mercades, Quentyn, Haylee, Kevin, Riley, Cora, Piper, and Katherine; Step-Grandchildren: Xena, Shana, Sebastian, Ethan, and William; Great-Grandchildren, Kayden, McKenna, Kylee, Korbyn, and Mason; 2 brothers, and a sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Marian Heydt; his Grandparents, and a great-nephew, Christopher Heydt. 

There will be a Masonic Service on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12:30 PM, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home. At 3:00 PM a memorial service will begin at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning one-hour prior. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church. Pete will return home with his family, who will inter him at a later date.