"Dear Wells family I'm sorry for your loss. Howard was our insurance man for my family. When I got married my wife and I continued to do business with Howard. I felt safe having Howard looking out for my families best interest. He wasn't very good on the computor, but made up for it by being there for us and having our backs. K.J. & Dena Cannon . "
In loving memory of
Howard C. Wells
December 8, 1929 - July 11, 2012
Howard C. Wells, 82, of Keokuk passed at 4:39p.m. Weds. July 11, at Donnellson Health Care Center, with family his surrounding him.
He was born Dec. 8, 1929 in Keokuk, the son of James S. and Madeline C. Wells.
After a 2yr. Courtship he married Patricia Jeanne Berberet on June 29, 1957. She preceded him in death on Sept. 6, 1999.
Survivors include their children Helene Adams of Collingswood , NJ, Alicia Montgomery of Richland, WA, Melanie Wells of Keokuk, Stewart Wells of Wauwatosa, WI, Bruce Wells of Macomb, IL, Howard Wells Jr. of Burlington, IA, Thad Wells of Souix Falls, SD and Maria Coffman of Kahoka, MO, 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren with numerous nieces and nephews.
In 1952 he graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA with a Bachelor in Philosophy. He then enlisted in the army and attended 2yrs at Western Military Academy in Alton, IL. Following the army, he served in the Illinois National Guard for 5yrs.
He was a life long resident of Keokuk, retiring from "Jelly" Wells Insurance in 1998.
A memorial mass will be held at 9am on Sat. July 21 at the Church of All Saints with Fr. Robert Lathrop officiating. Following a luncheon will be held for family and friends at the American Legion post 41.
His body has been donated to science. Burial with full Military Honors will be held at a later date in the Keokuk National cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 41 or the Keokuk Veterans Memorial.
Tributes
"Dear Wells Family, We just wanted to let you know how very sorry we were to hear about your dad. I lost my dad in January and know how hard it is to loose a parent. Pat and I have fond memories watching a lot of you kids grow up when we lived on 4th and Morgan. We especially enjoyed all Maria's visits, and watching some of you boys take the ladder away from the garage when your dad was up working on the roof!!!!! Take care and know that you are in our thoughts. Pat and Debbie Boyd"
"Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to your family on the loss of your father."
"Dear Helene, Alicia, Melanie, Stewart, Howard, Bruce, Thad, and Maria, I am sorry I will be undable to be with you at this time. I have you all in my prayers and will be thinking of you all. You have my sincere sympathy, and hope to see you before you all leave. Enjoy your dad,s celebration of life. God Bless "
"So sorry for your loss. Your dad was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with your families. "
"To all of you children of Howard & Patty also: Howard was certainly one of a kind, the Good Lord broke the mold when he created him. Never at a loss for words for sure and a kind man. I grew up on 1st & Blondeau, even though Howard was a bit older, I had know him & his parents for many years. I'm sure you kids have many memories to hold you a lifetime. Please accept my sincere prayers & sympathy as I won't be able to attend his services on Saturday. Martha Barclift"
"The "Jack" Wolf and "Bud and Skip" Stadler families offer our sincere condolences to all the survivors of Howard and Patty, most of whom are not acquainted with or barely aware of our entire 20th century relationship with the wonderful Wells and Berberet families. Carry on the way "Sonny" would desire. "
"A few days after we were married, we received a card in the mail from Howard and Patty. Inside was written, "Sorry we missed it. We were out of town. You must do it again." We still laugh at that today. Our thoughts are with you. "
"Having been raised on 4th street I have very fond memories of the Wells family. I grew up just two houses down from them so tehy were like an extended family to us. If we weren't over there they were at our house. Howard and Patty were awesome to us. Very busy with a housefull of their own kids as well as neighborhood kids. My prayers are with each of you. Candy Herron-Bryant"
"Howard was always compassionate, was a great friend of the family!"
"Howard was one of kind, who I will never forget. He welcomed me to Keokuk as a young legal secretary. To Howard's entire family - please know how much I valued your parents, along with many personal friendships with the kids. I spent quite a bit of time between Jelly Wells and the house, and I always felt welcome! Your family is in my heart."