Frank "Junior" Howard Jr. Obituary (1945

Frank Howard Jr., 75, of Ottumwa, IA passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA. A graveside service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the Richland Cemetery in Richland, IA with Pastor Mark Clark officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Eldon, IA. Social distancing and masks will be required. Memorial contributions in Frank's honor may be directed to the family and mailed to Shane Howard at 4283 Mallard PL SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Frank Howard Jr. was born on March 19, 1945 in Ottumwa, IA to Frank "Curly" and Dorothy Ulin Howard. He attended school at Cardinal in Eldon where he was a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball and was a part of Cardinal Class of 1964. In 1965 Frank was united in marriage to Rebecca Steele. Together they raised four boys: Kevin, Jeff, Shane, and Shawn. Frank worked hard supporting the family first as a truck driver for Cooks Transfer and then as a skilled laborer at Hormel/Excel in Ottumwa. He was a dedicated employee for many years before his retirement. Frank and Rebecca later divorced but remained connected through their mutual love for their children. Frank played fast and slow pitch softball as well as coached little league for over 10 years. He was an animal lover who had a special place in his heart for his dogs, Sammy, Hawkeye, and Happy. Frank was someone who always had a project. He loved caring for his garden and his lawn. He enjoyed fishing, classic westerns, music as well as cheering for the Chicago Bears, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He had a good eye for collectables and antiques and enjoyed finding the best deal. Frank was a kind man with a big heart who left an imprint on the hearts of his family and many friends he made along the way. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Dolores Davis; a son, Kevin Howard and stillborn twin girls. Left to honor his memory are his sons, Jeff Howard of New Hampton, IA, Shane (Kayla) Howard of Rochester, MN, and Shawn Howard of Ottumwa, IA; five grandsons, Nathan, Nick, Nolan, Austin, and Matthew; a granddaughter, Makenna and a great granddaughter, Skye; His lifelong companion and friend, Joyce Snakenburg as well as many extended family and friends.