Howard Lee, 99, of Forsyth passed away on October 16, 2012 with his family by his side. Howard was born on February 12, 1913 in Valley City, North Dakota to Wallace and Laura Lee. Howard attended school in Rogers, North Dakota from 1920-1928. Then he graduated High school in Oriska, North Dakota in 1933. Howard worked in Valley City and Rogers on farms and ranches in the 1930’s. On June 25, 1941 he married the love of his life Vera. From this union four children were born. Howard and Vera had 3 sons and 1 daughter. Howard and Vera farmed and ranched in Valley City from 1941 to 1968 when they made the move to Forsyth. They farmed and ranched from 1968 to 2012 in the Forsyth area.
Howard loved wagon building. He built covered wagons and chuck wagons. He was a wheelwright, and he loved breaking horses to ride and drive. He drove his horses and wagons in parades, wagon trains and draft horse competitions. In 2010 one of his greatest achievements was his induction into the Montana Draft Horse “Teamsters Hall of Fame.”
Howard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Vera, three sons Rodney (Sandy) of Miles City, Mt, Darrell (Sherry) of Hamilton, MT, and Garth (Lois) of Glendive, Mt and one daughter Cheryl (Tom) of Scottsdale, AZ., Grandchildren Lisa, Jodie, Larry, Cotton, Cody, Lindsey, Joy and Polly, his Great Grandchildren Kayla, Colton, Taylor, Madison, and Hailey. Howard is also survived by his sister Dorothy Caldwell of Palos Verdes, California.
Howard is preceded in death by his mother Laura; father Wallace, Sister Carol Wilbrecht and Brother Roger.
Family to Receive Friends will take place at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth on Thursday October 18, 2012 from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Funeral Services will be at the Chapel of Stevenson & Son’s funeral Home of Forsyth on Friday October 19, 2012 at 11:00am. Burial will take place at the Forsyth Cemetery following the services. A luncheon will be served at the reception room at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home of Forsyth.
Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with the arrangements and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday October 18, 2012
Chapel of Stevenson & Sons of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday October 19, 2012
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday October 18, 2012
Chapel of Stevenson & Sons of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Friday October 19, 2012
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Beth Oswald says
Howard was a colorful presence and never failed to make me laugh. He will be missed in the community and by his family. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Connie Webb says
I met Howard when he was hooking up his team after a noon break on the first day of a wagon train outing.
One of his red roan mares had him down underneath her and the tongue. I was an outrider for another wagon but he was alone and I went to help. I got to know him and in the following years, we spent quite some time traveling the over the hills with wagons and horses. That mare, by the way, tore the front of my shirt off on he last day of the outing-that was the kind of horses Howard liked. Thinking about the good times!!
Kelly Tarr says
Dear Rod, Sandy, and family,
So sorry about your Dad, to say the least he was a character! What history he has between the dash. (-) Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nora Drew says
Dear Rod, Sandy & Family-
My condolences on the loss of your loved one. Sounds as if he lived a long & full life. Treasure those memories.
-Nora Drew
Cathy Byron says
All our family send condolences on the passing of a legend. It was a privilege to know him. Our prayers are with Vera and all of you.
Loren Skjeret says
sorry to hear about Howard, I have kind of lost touch but remember lots of good times with your family
Steve - Jane Bissel says
Darrell & family,
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. We just thought we would send our condolences and let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you.