Dale Howard

Dale Edwin Howard of Arcadia passed away peacefully with family at his side on November 7th, 2023. He was the eldest of three, born June 3, 1941 in Richland Center, Wisconsin to Edwin and Lucille (Flint) Howard. His father was a high school Ag Teacher in both Arkansaw and Bruce Wisconsin where he attended grade school before moving to Arcadia in 1955 when his parents purchased a hardware store from Bob Goke. After graduating from high school in 1959, Dale went to the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire majoring in business where he graduated in January of 1964.

Dale enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in 1963 where he obtained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant serving for 6 years. After college Dale went to work for the Ohio Art Company, Lozier, and United Hardware. While living in Minneapolis Dale attended Hennepin United Methodist Church, spending time with a young adults group. This is where he met a beautiful brunet from South Dakota, Christine Grinager. In March 1974, they married and enjoyed time together in the Cities. When it came time for Dales' parents to retire from the Gambles Hardware Store in 1975, Dale and Christine decided they would return to Arcadia to take over the store and start a family.

During their 40 years in the store, they constantly strived to serve Arcadia and surrounding communities. Initially converting to Hardware Hank in 1976 and located in the Massuers Building downtown, Dale and Christine then moved to half of the Jensen furniture building in 1983. In 1986 they purchased the current location and further expanded the store in 2005. Dale and Christine gradually retired and officially turned over the reigns to their son, Seth in 2018.

Dale loved Arcadia and was involved in community activities including the Masons, the Chamber of Commerce (40 years), the Arcadia Credit Union Board (30 years), The American Legion (30 years), Trinity United Methodist Church and Christ Lutheran Church.

Dale found his joy in his family, children, and grandchildren, traveling especially overseas to Norway and Japan, Civil War reenacting, fishing, hunting and history and genealogy.

Dale was so happy to celebrate his 49-1/2 years of marriage to Christine with friends and family just two weeks before his passing.

Dale is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Christine; children, Seth (Jennifer) Howard, Sarah Howard, and Emily Instenes; grandchildren, Gage, Sierra, Gavin, Paige, Stian, Karsten, Elias, Astri; sister, Sharon (Maurice) Woodmansee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, William (Bill).

The family wishes to thank all the medical professionals at Mayo La Crosse and St Croix Hospice, especially Erika, and Grandview Care Center who provided excellent and compassionate care and friends and family who came to visit him during these last few months.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church with Reverend Rufus Kudee officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Wozney-Killian Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at church. Dale will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Durand, WI in a graveside service at 1:15 p.m. Memorials may be made in Dale's honor to Christ Lutheran Church, Shriners Hospital, or The Little Raiders Fund. To leave an online condolence for his family please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.