WILLIAM "BILL" HOWES

William “Bill” Howes, passed away on September 10, 2022, at his home in Brownsville, MN. He was born on August 26, 1939, in Waukon, IA to Raymond and Cecelia (Teeling) Howes. He was married to Jeanette (Jan) Bakewell July 23, 1960. He will be deeply missed by his family: wife, Jan; children Sheila, David (Anita), Colleen (Dan) and Dan; grandchildren Rebekah, Ben (Jaycee), Nathaniel, Morgan, Olivia, and Joseph; great granddaughter Vivee. Step-grandchildren; Jordan (Abby), Matthew (Rachel). Sister, Rose Marie (Charles Link) and Brother, Tom, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ed, and sister, Mary Flottmeyer, in-laws Joe and Luella Bakewell, brothers-in-law Bob, Ron, and Larry Bakewell. Bill lived a life of purpose, of honor, and with compassion for others. He was a long-time La Crosse businessman with a second career in farming. His life was filled with family and a strong connection to his faith, his community, and his friends. After graduating from St. Patrick's high school in Waukon, IA, Bill served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Salem and USS Canberra. His service to the country and community didn't end after his honorable discharge. He had a strong religious faith and was an active parishioner at St Patrick's parish serving as a lector and Eucharist minister. Fueled by his faith, he was committed to a number of causes in the area including the Lions Club of La Crosse and Brownsville, and was a member of the Brownsville VFW. After his tour of duty with the United States Navy, Bill enrolled in classes at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where he took classes in watch making and jewelry repair. Upon completion he became an apprentice and opened his first jewelry store in downtown La Crosse in January, 1964. After establishing himself as a business owner, Bill turned his attention to farming, which was his passion. He would do morning chores before the jewelry store opened and continued to build both the business and farm operations. After retiring from business, he was a full-time farmer, which brought him immense joy. He loved all aspects of farming and was well-known at the local Sale Barn and farm auctions. Bill was farming and doing chores the day before his unexpected death. Bill loved to get together with friends and extended family. He and Jan had regular, weekly social engagements. In recent years, he started each morning having coffee with his friends in Brownsville. Bill was quick with a story—told with a twinkle in his eye. He was not only a great storyteller, he was an exceptionally attentive listener; always curious about the lives of others. He was intentional about staying connected with his many friends and family. You never knew when you would receive a call from Bill, who would be checking in on you and eager to listen to what you had to say. Over the last few years, Bill and Jan traveled with their grandchildren on international trips. A highlight was Ireland, where Bill felt right at home among the lush landscape, farming, and the Irish storytellers. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at St Patrick’s Church, Breza Hall, Brownsville, MN. Prayer Service will be at 4:00 pm. Visitation from 4:00-6:00 pm. Visitation will also be from 10-11 am Friday morning at the church A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Church, Brownsville, MN. . Burial will be at 2:30 pm in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Waukon, on Friday. Memorials may be shared with St. Patrick’s Church, Brownsville, MN.

WILLIAM "BILL" HOWES

August 26, 1939 - September 10, 2022