Howard A. Van Minsel of Spring Grove, Minn., passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the age of 82.
Howard was born on June 1, 1942, in Waumandee, Wis., to August and Elsie (Doebbert) Van Minsel and was the youngest of seven children. His mother Elsie (Doebbert) passed away when Howard was three years old. He was blessed and forever thankful when his father married his second mother, Elsie (Haesler-Olson) when he was 11. He attended public school in Buffalo City, Wis., and Caledonia, Minn. He was never shy of a hard day’s work, and found employment as a farm hand through his teen years. He joined the United States Army in November 1960 and was honorably discharged in November 1963.
Howard married the love of his life, Arlene Moen on July 12, 1964, in Caledonia, Minn. He started his career with Kruckow Construction after he was discharged from the United States Army, where he operated earthmoving equipment building a dam near Viroqua, Wis. His desire to be self-employed was fulfilled as an owner-operator from 1974-2007, hauling anything from bombs to birdseed and a lot in between. He traveled through the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico and the majority of Canada. After a significant injury brought an early and unwelcome retirement at age 65, he beat the odds and was behind the wheel two years returning to Kruckow more than 50 years after his first employment with them. In semi-retirement, he worked at the Houston County Recycling Center up until the age of 81.
Howard’s expectations of others were no different than the code he lived by… family first, honesty and hard work. He was proud of the life he built with Arlene. His children and grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene; son Wayne Van Minsel, daughter Heather Edgington, grandchildren Grace, Mariah and Dane Edgington; sisters-in-law Elaine Van Minsel, Mari Jean Van Minsel, Marcene Van Minsel, Victoria Sazama, and Andrea (Todd) Oliverius; brothers-in-law Adrian (Pat) Moen, Arden (Terry) Moen, Andre Moen, and Alvin Moen; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents August, Elsie and Elsie; siblings Leo Van Minsel, Arvilla Burmeister, Jack Van Minsel, Alan Van Minsel, Earl Van Minsel, Kenny (Carol) Van Minsel and Charlene (Bernie) Hansen.
A Celebration of Life open house will be held at Giants of the Earth, 163 Main Street, Spring Grove, Minn., on Sunday, December 1 from 1-4 p.m. A private service with military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 27 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
A special thank you to the Mayo Hospice team who provided exceptional care and support, allowing family to honor Howard’s wishes to stay in his home.
Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove, Minn., is assisting with arrangements.