Robert Charles Howe Sr., age 74, of rural Ettrick, died on Saturday, November 30, 2013 surrounded by his loving family in the Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse.

Robert was born on March 13, 1939 in Lawler, IA to Wallace and Esther (Balk) Howe. He married Sharon Halleck on April 4, 1957 in Waterloo, IA. They later divorced. Bob then married Claire Ann Schlough on October 25, 1997 in Nashua, IA. Claire preceded Robert in death on May 1, 2013.

Robert farmed in rural Ettrick for many years and got to ride in Perry Kujak's big combine the day before he died.

Bob is survived by four children, Terri (Robert) Appel of Dothan, AL, Robert (Rita) Howe Jr. of Galesville, Julie (Dan) Johnson of Blair and Jodie (Lance) Docken of Galesville; six grandchildren, Lloyd, Robbie and Samantha Appel, Travis (Lizz) Howe, Josh and Tyler Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Trenton and Chevelle Howe; seven brothers, Lavern Howe of OK, Duane (Jane) Howe of Galesville, Eugene (Joleen) Howe of Tavares, FL, Kenneth (Sandy) Howe of Land O' Lakes, FL, Gregory (Merry) Howe of Arcadia, Vincent (Sharon) Howe of Galesville and Larry (Patty) Howe of Onalaska; a sister, Eileen (Steve) Wander of Clairemont, IA and his best friend and co-pilot, Bailey.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his two wives.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the North Beaver Creek Parish Faith Lutheran Church in rural Ettrick. Pastor Elizabeth Albertson will officiate.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 4, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. in the Jack Funeral Home in Blair and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.