Howard J. Ehlers

Howard John Ehlers was born February 18, 1942, in Holstein, Iowa, the son of John and Esther Ehlers. He attended grade school in Cushing, Iowa and later graduated from Ida Grove High School in 1960.

On November 24, 1962, Howard was united in marriage to Sharon Bechen at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ida Grove, Iowa. They were blessed with three girls: Patti, Gale, and Jodi. Howard joked that there was a special bathroom in heaven for the father of three girls.

Howard and Sharon started their married life farming with Sharon’s parents south of Ida Grove. He enjoyed raising cattle, hogs and any other animals his girls could talk him into. In 1984, Howard and Sharon moved to Holstein, Iowa where they purchased Agri Farm Supply selling Golden Sun Feeds until Howard retired. During his retirement he sold seed corn for Su Cross Co, Manilla, Iowa.

Howard was a man who lived, laughed, and worked equally hard. His family and agriculture were his life and never believed in a job done halfheartedly. He was early to rise and had half a day’s work done before breakfast. After his retirement one of his favorite things to do was have breakfast with The Lumber Inn coffee bunch.

He was a man of his word and a handshake was all that was needed. He’s now farming the fields of Heaven. His rows are straight and the harvest always bountiful. He is riding into the sunset driving his Chevy truck.

His grandkids were his pride and joy. Many miles were logged and benches warmed attending football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, volleyball, tae-kwando, horse shows, and begrudgingly dance recitals.

Howard passed away on June 12, 2014 surrounded by his family at Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 72.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Esther Ehlers; his father and mother in-law, John and Lydia Bechen; and a brother, William Ehlers.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Ehlers; children, Patti Ehers (Council Bluffs), Gale and Scott Randall (Storm Lake), and Jodi and Tim Bunde (Estherville); grandchildren, Tara (Jordan) Bergland, Travis (Tracy) Reichter, Derrick (Rachele) Randall, Brady (fiancé Casey Tims) Randall, Hayley Randall, and Lydia Bunde; special friends, Rod, Audrey and Brad Flogstad; sister, Loretta (Charles) Sick; brother, Robert (Elaine) Ehlers; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.