Howard Everett

Howard Fred Everett was born to Frank and Sigrid (Hauglid) Everett in the family home in Japser, Minnesota on May 8, 1934. He was the middle child in a family of nine children. Growing up on the farm instilled in Howard a strong work ethic at a young age to help his parents with whatever was needed. He rode his pony to and from school, played football, and broke horses for neighbors. He was a fast runner – known to have beat the fastest kid in school once. He also worked away from the farm to earn money for his parents. For fun, Howard enjoyed going to dances, dating girls, and swimming with his brothers in the river and in the quarry. He graduated from Jasper High School, class of 1953.  

Howard enlisted in the Army on Dec. 1, 1953. He was a paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. While home on leave, he went to the outdoor roller rink in Luverne, and caught the eye of Joan (Jo) Shabino. He gave her a ride home on his motorcycle and the rest, they say, is history. They were married on March 14, 1956 near Ft. Bragg, NC where Howard was stationed. Howard was honorably discharged from the Army on Nov. 30, 1956 and he and Jo moved back to the Jasper area where he worked in a gas station. A few years later, Howard and Jo moved to Menomonee Falls, WI where Howard worked in construction. Their family grew to include four children: Cindy, Steve, Tim and Tammy. In 1970, the family moved back to Jasper and lived with Howard’s mother while Howard built the family home they have lived in ever since.  

“Find a job you enjoy doing and you will never have to work a day in your life.” (Mark Twain) described Howard’s love of construction. Howard started his own construction business, “Howard Everett Builder.” He started building swimming pools, residential homes and then churches. In his lifetime, he was involved in building over 600 homes and over 60 churches. He “retired” at the age of 84 following the completion of the last church project. Howard loved a manicured lawn. He enjoyed mowing and would patiently wait for the grass to grow so he could mow again. He mowed his home lawn, the cemetery and Steve’s shop lawn and others. Even when his eyesight was too poor to drive a car, he could still see to mow and truly enjoyed his time on the lawn mower. And he usually had a “cold coffee” at the end of the day. 

His Christian faith remained the center of Howard’s life. He was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper where he was baptized on June 3, 1934 and confirmed on May 16, 1948. He served as Elder, usher, participated in Bible study, church choir and couple’s club. Through the years, he was a member of Al Opland Singers and a Square-Dancing Club. Those who knew Howard well will remember how he loved children and would take the time to tease and make them laugh. He took joy in and was always willing to help others with projects. Howard grew up with his brothers and sister as his best friends. Their sibling bonds remained strong through his entire life and they were a great source of comfort and support to Howard and Jo through many trials.     

In Dec. 2019, Howard was diagnosed with lung cancer. He completed a course of treatments and was happy when his cancer was under control and his hair grew back with curls. This past six months, he battled several health issues before passing away peacefully at the Pipestone County Hospice House on May 30, 2023 at the age of 89.  

Howard is lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Joan (Jo); daughter, Cindy (Steven) Farrell; son, Steve (Lori) Everett and son, Tim Everett; grandchildren, Christopher (Heather) Farrell, Jennifer (Nic) Weber, Dusty Everett, Derik Everett, and Noah Everett; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Braxton Melcher, Kason and Lennon Weber, Max Farrell and Kiana and Hezekiah Everett; three siblings,  Leslie Everett, Paul (Marian) Everett, and Eileen (Jerry) Engstrom;  extended family, Jerry (Mary) Erickson, Kenny (Becky) Clark and Becky (Wayne) Uilk; a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.  Greeting Howard in heaven are his parents; daughter, Tammy Ann Everett; and his brothers, Ivan Everett, Clair (Irene) Everett, Merlyn Everett, Norman Everett and Neil Everett and sister in law, Ruth Everett.