died Tuesday (April 22, 2014) at Arbor Manor in Fremont.
Howard was born on September 27, 1933 in Arlington, Nebraska to Clyde and Mabel (Menking) Wilkinson. At 10 years of age, Howard came with his family to Fremont. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1951. He played on the 1951 high school basketball championship team, and in 2001, was inducted into the Fremont High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Howard served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict years of 1953-1955, with duty in Japan. After he was discharged, Howard returned to Fremont. He managed his own furniture upholstery shop and worked for Hormel's for 10 years. In 1965 he joined the Fremont Fire Dept. retiring in 1998 as a Captain. During his time on the fire department, he also worked part time for Daubert Construction and continued with them part time after retiring from the Fire Dept. He also did custodial work at the Fremont Towers.
Howard was a member of the First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 20, and enjoyed bowling for many years.
On June 2, 1954, he was married in Fremont to Helen (Sharlene) Thorne.
Survivors: wife Sharlene
2 daughters Lynda and husband Mike Raasch of Fremont
Jodi and husband Ed Ruhe of Mead
2 sons David and wife Lori Wilkinson of Omaha
Mike and wife Mary Wilkinson of Omaha
8 grandchildren, Chris and Nick, Annie, Emily, Ben and Sam, Ethan and Amanda
4 great grandchildren
brother Lloyd and wife Jerry Wilkinson of Fremont
Howard was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers.
The funeral service will be 2 PM Friday (April 25th) at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Gundar Lamberts. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard of the American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854 and the Fremont Fire Dept. will present the 'Last Call'.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary, Fremont, is today (Thursday April 24th) from 3 to 8 PM with the family present from 6 to 8 PM. Memorials are suggested to the donor's charity of choice.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(7)
Mark and Vicky Wilkinson
Lincoln, NE Thursday, May 1, 2014 We are so sorry to hear of Howard's death. I remember the time he gave Dad and I a tour of the new fire house-- it was a big deal when they moved to the new location.May time and many good memories ease your loss. Our prayers will be with your family.
Todd Coffey & Jamee Sickels
Fremont, NE Monday, April 28, 2014 To the Wilkinson family. So sorry for your loss. He was very special person and great person to work with. He will truly be missed, but lots of wonderful memories. Thoughts and prayers to you all.Todd & Jamee
Gale Wilkinson
Willis, TX Thursday, April 24, 2014 Sharlene and family,So sorry to hear about Howard. Lots of fond memories growing up next door to all of you. Howard was one of my favorite uncles and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by many. I can't make it to service, but love and prayers to all of you. Thinking of you all, Gale Wilkinson
Jim and Jeanne Brown
Fremont, NE Thursday, April 24, 2014 Sharlene, Lynda, Dave, Mike, Jodi and families, so very sorry for the loss of your father, he was a very special person and have a lot of memories. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Jim and Jeanne
Georgia & Richard Felt
Fremont, NE Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Lynda and Mike,Richard and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Just to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Georgia & Richard Felt
Carol Johnson
The Woodlands, TX Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Dear Sharlene and family,I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Howard during my childhood years that will always be with me. He was a very special uncle. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Carol
Linda Hirsch
Fremont, NE Wednesday, April 23, 2014 Lynda and family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. We will add all of you to our prayers. Ron and Linda Hirsch