Howard Warmbold

FUNERAL SERVICES : 3:00 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Pastor Lee Kantonen officiating.VISITATION : 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to services on Friday.INTERMENT : Will be made in the spring in the Arago-Evergreen-Clover Cemetery north of Park Rapids.SURVIVORS : His wife for these past 51 years, Eleanor of Park Rapids; his three sons: Wayne (Linda) Warmbold, Warren (Julie) Warmbold and Gary (Kathy) Warmbold all of Park Rapids; his two daughters: Elaine (Fred) VanDeVenter of Elk River, MN and Rhonda Landini of Littleton, CO; his 16 beloved grandchildren and his 13 great grandchildren; five brothers: Harold (Valdene) Warmbold and Dorrance (Diane) Warmbold all of Park Rapids, Delbert (Janice) Warmbold of Menahga, MN, Duane (Carol) Warmbold of Paynesville, MN and Jeff (Carol) Warmbold of Albany, MN; four sisters: Delores Schultz, Betty Sakkinen and Dorothy Niskanen all of Menahga and Ruth Bye of Blaine. HOWARD A. WARMBOLDAugust 24, 1937 " January 3, 2011 Howard A. Warmbold, age 73, a long time Park Rapids area resident, was ushered into eternity on Monday morning, January 3, 2011 at his home with his loved ones at his side, after waging a valiant battle against a very aggressive form of cancer. Howard was born on August 24, 1937 in Green Valley Township of Becker County, MN to Adolph and Ethel (Olson) Warmbold. He attended the District #55 Country School near his home through the eighth grade and then went on to attend the Menahga Public High School. As a young man, Howard took over the operation of his ailing father"s livestock hauling business for several years. Later, he ventured to Minneapolis where he gained employment working for the Aluma Craft Boat Manufacturing Company. On May 2nd, 1959, Howard was united in marriage to the prettiest gal in Arago Township, Eleanor Koch. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Wayne, Warren, Gary, Elaine and Rhonda. The young family made their home in Straight River Township where they started a cattle and freight Trucking Business which they operated for nearly 19 years. They then engaged in dairy farming and raised up a fine herd of Holstein dairy cattle. Howard, assisted by his wife and kids, milked and cared for their herd of cows in a career that spanned over 23 years. Howard then worked for Darchuk"s Fabricating and Zirkle"s Machine Shop both of Park Rapids for several years. His most recent employment was with the Green Valley Bean Plant where he worked right up to just 3 months ago. Howard was active in his community. For the past 39 years Howard has been deeply involved with the Shell Prairie Ag. Fair in Hubbard County and has provided great leadership and vision in keeping the fair in operation. He served on the Straight River Township Board for over 35 years. He served for nine years on the FSA Board of Directors. He also served on the American Dairy Association Board and worked with the Farmers Union Milk Marketing Committee for many years. Howard was a man of faith and for many years was a faithful member of the Straight River Independent Church until it"s closing. He loved the out of doors and enjoyed fishing and deer hunting when time allowed. Howard and Eleanor were a graceful pair out on the dance floor where they loved to waltz and polka. Howard received quite a bit of acclaim for his success as an auctioneer in calling in bids for many a bridal garter at wedding dances. Howard was an enthusiastic sports fan who especially enjoyed attending games of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves with his son-in-law, Fred. Above all, Howard devoted his life to his precious wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Howard will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 51 years, Eleanor of Park Rapids; his three sons: Wayne (Linda) Warmbold, Warren (Julie) Warmbold and Gary (Kathy) Warmbold all of Park Rapids; his two daughters: Elaine (Fred) VanDeVenter of Elk River, MN and Rhonda Landini of Littleton, CO; his 16 beloved grandchildren and his 13 great grandchildren; five brothers: Harold (Valdene) Warmbold and Dorrance (Diane) Warmbold all of Park Rapids, Delbert (Janice) Warmbold of Menahga, MN, Duane (Carol) Warmbold of Paynesville, MN and Jeff (Carol) Warmbold of Albany, MN; four sisters: Delores Schultz, Betty Sakkinen and Dorothy Niskanen all of Menahga and Ruth Bye of Blaine, MN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Roy and Herbert and two sisters: Gloria Wood and Audrey Schultz. Funeral services are set for 3 PM Friday, January 7, 2011 at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids with Rev. Lee Kantonen officiating. The organist will be Linda Szuszitsky. The soloist will be Wayne Schroeder who will sing "Many Mansions" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee". The active casket bearers will be: Benny Pickett, Burt Hill, Roger Reese, Duane Becker, Joe Hines and Fred VanDeVenter. The honorary casketbearers will be his brothers: Harold, Delbert, Dorrance, Duane and Jeff Warmbold. Interment will be made in the spring in the Arago-Evergreen-Clover Cemetery north of Park Rapids. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM on Thursday, January 6th at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids and beginning one hour prior to the services on Friday at the church. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Riverside United Methodist Church.