Gilbert J. Howell

Gilbert J. Howell, 81 of Devils Lake, ND died on Thursday afternoon, November 23, 2006 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. C.F. Wilhelm will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Monday from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 5:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Gilbert will be Dennis Windjue, Richard Garske, Dennis Scharf, Lyle Anderson, John Dumont, and Joe Belford. Music will be provided by JoDee Lagein. Gilbert was born on February 16, 1925, rural Munich, ND on the home of his parents, Rudolph and Mary (Goeser) Howell. He attended Calio Elementary School and Starkweather High School. He then farmed with his Dad for several years. In 1946, Gilbert joined the United States Army, serving his country in the Philippines. He was Honorably Discharged from Camp Beale, California in 1947 with the rank of Private First Class. He returned to North Dakota and worked for Lake Motor Service in Devils Lake and also farmed. On November 21, 1950, Gil was united in marriage to Julie Bryl at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They moved out to Seattle, Washington and Gil worked at Fort Lawton and they later moved to California and he worked at Red Seal Oil Company and then Douglas Oil. In 1973, they returned to North Dakota where Gil again farmed until retiring in 1989. Gil had several hobbies and pastimes including a large collection of John Deere Memorabilia and was an avid Laker Basketball fan and LA Rams Football fan. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW Club. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Rohrville Elevator for many years. Gilbert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Julie Daughter and Son-In-Law: Jackie Howell and Randy Huwa of Orange, Virginia Sisters: Lorraine Hager and Dolores Bozovsky both of Fargo, ND Many Nieces and Nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.