Jack Norman Howdahl, 79

A Memorial Service for Jack N. Howdahl will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Baudette, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Chapel.

Jack Norman Howdahl, age 79, passed away after a life dedicated to hard work, family, and the land he loved. Born on July 19, 1945, at Klair Home Nursing in Spooner, Minnesota, Jack received his early education at Border School through the eighth grade.

At the age of 15 or 16, Jack began his career with Colmax in Baudette, working on street construction. This marked the beginning of his lifelong career in road construction. He followed the company on the road, staying with them through their acquisition by Anderson Western Construction, where he specialized in hot mix operations. Jack became known as a skilled blacktop expert throughout the Midwest, accumulating countless stories from his years on the road.

During the off-seasons, Jack maintained deep connections to his agricultural roots. He helped out on the family farm and worked for various local farmers, including Grampa Hasbargen and Charlie Hasbargen. He was particularly known for assisting Peggy Hasbargen during calving season with cattle and daily chores.

After retiring from road construction at age 62, Jack devoted himself to raising cattle and tending to the Howdahl farm alongside his brother Earl and sister-in-law Eileen. He was an avid outdoorsman who cherished hunting trips with his brothers, friend Bernie Baker, and various family members. His passion for hunting and fishing extended to sharing these traditions with the younger generation, particularly his great-great nephews Zane and Luka in his final years.

Jack was a familiar face in the community, known for his daily visits to town for breakfast or lunch with friends, and his regular Thursday coffee and card games at Ruth Passi's with Eileen and friends. He could often be found riding the county roads with sister-in-law Eileen, observing crops and wildlife, or visiting with Ramona and Dan Zimney.

A natural problem-solver, Jack was always working with his hands, whether fixing equipment or finding ways to improve it. His mechanical aptitude and willingness to tackle any repair made him an invaluable resource to those around him. His love for the outdoors extended to gardening, and he particularly enjoyed lake trout fishing and ice fishing throughout his life.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Howdahl Sr. and Gertrude (Witt) Howdahl, and most of his siblings: John Howdahl Jr., Gladys Carlson (LeRoy), Carl Howdahl, Betty Ellerson (Darrell), Harold Howdahl (Lillian), and Earl Howdahl. He is survived by his brother George Howdahl of Arizona (Sandy, deceased), sisters-in-law Eileen Howdahl, Shirley Howdahl, and Norma Maus, along with numerous nephews, nieces, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.