Lonny "Lon" D. Twait

Lonny “Lon” Dean Twait, age 80, of Mankato, Minnesota (formerly of Emmetsburg, Iowa), passed away peacefully the morning of January 4, 2026.

Lon was born on May 18, 1945, to Oliver and Dorothy (Chism) Twait in Estherville, Iowa, along with brother Larry as a surprise set of twin boys. He and Larry were the middle children of seven siblings. Lon loved to tell stories about growing up on the farm outside of Depew, going to country school, working as a custodian at St. John’s Lutheran Church, participating in 4-H, and driving the school bus. In 1963 he graduated from Emmetsburg High School where he was active in cross-country and choir. Lon continued his education first at junior college in Emmetsburg and then Mankato State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education.

Lon taught business, shorthand, and typing at Havelock Public School until he was drafted by the U.S. Army. After serving in Vietnam, Lon and Linda made their home in the Emmetsburg area where he farmed and raised hogs. After decades of farming, Lon returned to his business teaching roots where he helped people as a financial advisor and established Keystone Financial Services. Lon loved to help others achieve their financial goals and teach them the “Rule of 72.” He also was an active member of his community, serving on the Palo Alto County Extension Council and in a variety of volunteer roles at Bethany Lutheran Church.

On August 14, 1966, Lon married Linda Larson, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Together, they raised their children Amy and Tyson; traveled abroad; spent many winters in Florida; enjoyed their homes on the farm, in Emmetsburg on Five Island Lake, and in Mankato; and brought love into every space in their life. Some of Lon’s favorite things were fishing trips to Alaska and Canada with his brothers, golfing with family and friends, and playing 500. Lon deeply valued his family and will always be remembered for his humor and kindness. From the twinkle in his eye just before he told a joke, to his one-line pieces of life advice, Lon’s presence could light up a room. His memory will continue to brighten the lives of his loved ones.

Lon is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Amy Lachinski and her husband Travis; his son, Tyson Twait and his wife Michelle; his four grandchildren Melia and Mari Lachinski, and Tobias and Natalie Twait; his siblings, Duane (Margaret), Larry (Jan), Tom (Patricia), and Janet Kusch; sisters-in-law Peggy Twait and Diane Haynes; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver and Dorothy Twait; in-laws Leland and Margaret Larson; brothers Dale and Richard Twait; sister-in-law Carol Twait Lowe; brothers-in-law Randy Sloan, Woodie Haynes, and Larry Lowe; and great-niece Grace Dandurand.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.