Howard Loewen

HHoward Loewen, 93, of Alton, IA died Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at the Heritage House Nursing Home in Orange City, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:30-10:30AM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:30AM at the Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Brian Janssen officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Carmel Cemetery of rural Sioux Center. Howard John Loewen was born December 21, 1919 to John and Elizabeth (Henracy) Loewen in St. Donatus, Iowa. The Loewen family moved to Alton, Iowa when Howard was near eight years old. Howard was the middle of seven children, and was the last surviving member of his family. Howard attended school through the eighth grade before going to work on as a farm hand on many farms in the Sioux County area for several decades. In 1943, Howard met Bernice Feekes and the two were joined in marriage on August 24, 1943. The couple was blessed with two daughters. In 1963, the family moved off the farm and into the town of Alton where they lived for the next 45 years. For a few years Howard worked for the town of Alton as a city employee doing street work, reading water meters and ringing the noon whistle. In 1965, Howard started his own business, Loewen Sewer and Septic which he continued to run until he retired and sold the business in 1981. After retirement, he enjoyed doing many woodworking projects and gardening in the summer time. He also spent many relaxing hours fishing with friends on his boat. Howard and Bernice also enjoyed playing many games of cards. Howard and Bernice have been members of the Hospers Presbyterian church since 1955. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Bernice of Orange City; two daughters and sons-in-law: Glenda and Gunnar Sjolander of Lakeville, MN, Verla and Harv Klaver of Parker, CO; four grandchildren: Amy Sjolander, Nancy and Don Anselmin, Jeff and Stephanie Klaver, Suzann and Barrett McCann; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Howard is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and sisters-in-law and two sisters and brothers-in-law.