Lawrence "Joe" Howell

Lawrence W. "Joe" Howell, 88, of Leroy, ND passed away Sunday, January 6, 2013, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 10, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 9th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church. Burial will be held at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery.
Lawrence was born September 22, 1924, near Leroy to Percy and Rosa (Martineau) Howell. He grew up in the Leroy area where he attended school. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1944 to 1946, he returned home to the Leroy area. Joe worked for Pembina County for several years and for various contractors as a heavy equipment operator. From 1969 to 1988, he worked at Motor Coach Industries. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan.
On February 1, 1945, he married Marcella Braget at Leroy. She survives as do his children: Galen (Margaret) Howell, Leroy, Marcia (Ron) Mack, East Grand Forks, MN, Donna (Bruce) Thom, Neche, ND, Larry Howell, Emerado, ND; grandchildren: Jan Dick, Mary Isaacs, and Rebecca Howell; Ryan Mack, Mindy Woidtke, and Chris Mack; Tony Thom, Amy Wilkens, and Matthew Thom and seven great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Francis Howell; and sister, Doreen Bjornstad.
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Jude Okafor.
Honorary Pallbearers: All of Joe's Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
Casket Bearers: Pat Bjornstad, Tom Dick, Rod Howell, John Isaccs, Chris Mack, Ryan Mack, Matthew Thom, and Tony Thom.
Military Rites: Bartlette-Resler Post #62, Walhalla American Legion and North Dakota National Guard Funeral Honor Guard.
Music: Amy Carignan, Soloist and Bernadine Kopf, Organist.