In loving memory of

Mike Douglas Howard
April 8, 1952 - January 15, 2015

Michael Douglas Howard, age 62, of Boone, died at his home last week. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, Jan 23, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames. An 11:00 a.m. celebration of life service will follow on Sat., Jan 24, at the First Evangelical Free Church, 1407 Kate Shelley Drive in Boone, Iowa.

Mike was born April 8, 1952 in Boone, Iowa, the son of Dr. Cecil T. and Alma (Rodenbusch) Howard. He graduated from Boone High School in 1970 and attended Iowa State University before entering the Army where he was in the Military Police, earning the honor of leading his unit in cadence. In December of 1981, he married Karen Jansen in Ankeny, Iowa. The couple settled in Owatonna, MN in 1992 where he owned two restaurants, Boone's and Husky's. The Howard family moved to Ames in 2004 and returned to Boone in 2011. At any of his homes, Mike could often be found hosting a pancake breakfast or prime rib dinner for friends and family, as entertaining others through good food and conversation were one of things he enjoyed most.

His talent for singing and playing the piano was a gift from God that he loved to share in the form of worship, using his talents in prison ministry, worship services and community care centers.

Mike was in the furniture business for over 30 years, selling furniture for Braxton Culler and several other companies. In the last year of his life, Mike felt very blessed to be able to minister to the congregation at the First Baptist Church of Stratford, sharing his music and faith with the growing church community.

Mike is survived by his wife Karen Howard of Richmond, VA; his son, John (Jennifer) Howard and their children, Jacob and Avalon, all of Johnston, IA; his daughter, Kelly Howard of Los Angeles, CA; his mother, Alma Howard and his sister Susan (Bob) Herrick, both of Boone, IA, as well as many nieces and nephews. His love for dogs was known by many, and his companions Jackson and Maddie miss him dearly.

Flowers and memorials may be directed to Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010. The family requests that monetary gifts in memory of Mike be directed to the First Baptist Church of Stratford, 1400 Highway 175 East, Stratford, IA 50249.

Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com

Tributes

Paula & Steve Rue wrote on Jan 26, 2015:

"Dear Karen, John, and Kelly, we were so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. We'll always remember him as the Pancake King of the neighborhood - his mother's recipe that he refused to share with me! I recall him singing Bad Bad Leroy Brown at the Steele County Fair; he had a great voice. I'll also remember him for his compassion and ministry to the prison inmates in Faribault. God bless you all. "

Shannon Mack wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"I've known Mike since 3rd grade. He always found me and kept the friendship alive no matter what state I was currently living in! Mike was truely one of a kind... "

Kathy V Pitts wrote on Jan 23, 2015:

"Karen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my heart and prayers. May God's loving arms comfort you all during this difficult time. "

The Post+Beam Team wrote on Jan 22, 2015:

"All of us are thinking of you at this incredibly difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. "

Terry Dannatt wrote on Jan 22, 2015:

"Our thoughts and prayers on you unexpected loss of a wonderful man.Dannatt family"

Kelly Mowrer wrote on Jan 22, 2015:

"I'm so sorry for your loss, what a beautiful spirit Mike was. Sending deepest sympathies at this difficult time."

Mary Claya wrote on Jan 22, 2015:

"Dear Karen and Family, Sincere sympathy is sent your way and hope that true peace can be yours soon. Love,"

Duane and Gail Flagel wrote on Jan 22, 2015:

"Karen, Alma, Kelly, John and Family... We send our love and know that God will give you the strength to celebrate his life with your family and friends around you. The memories we have of our dear friend Mike and our times together is priceless."

Janelle Givens Henry wrote on Jan 21, 2015:

"Mike was a classmate of mine. Sorry to hear of his passing."

Barry Schuler wrote on Jan 21, 2015:

"So very sorry for your families loss. He was a great friend and brother in Christ."

Denise, Tom, & Kylie Clark wrote on Jan 21, 2015:

"Karen and Family We are very sorry for your loss. We have you in our thoughts and prayers"

Pete and Cristy wrote on Jan 20, 2015:

"Mike was a very good friend, he will be missed."