Leland George Howe, 81, left this world Tuesday morning, Feb. 5, 2013, at Sacred Heart Care Center of Austin, Minn.

Lee was born in Spring Valley, Minn., on Feb. 10, 1931, to Ned and Everelle (King) Howe. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948. In 1950, Lee entered the Air Force where he was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1951. He married Myrna Powers on Feb. 5, 1960. They made their home in Austin where they raised their children. They later moved to Redwood Falls, Blooming Prairie and finally settled in Owatonna. Lee was a longtime business owner of Lee’s Janitorial as well as the owner and operator of many other businesses throughout Minnesota and Iowa.

Lee will be remembered as a hard worker and a lover of all sports. He enjoyed following the Twins and Vikings. His greatest passion however, was spending time with his family and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and activities of all kinds. He took great pride in sponsoring and coaching many adult and youth teams in Austin and Owatonna. His other interests included cribbage tournaments and the occasional casino trip for blackjack. He was an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the Elks, Eagles and the American Legion.

Lee is survived by his wife, Myrna of Owatonna; children Terry Howe of Owatonna, Cindy Howe of Owatonna, Lori Mauer of Austin, Kim (Pat) Lange of Austin, Jaye (Bruce) Adams of Austin, Todd (Ronda) Howe of Owatonna, Doug Howe of Austin, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Waiting to greet Lee in his new heavenly home are his parents; brothers Keith, Duane and Lloyd; infant sister Lois; son-in-law Chuck Mauer; and grandson Dominic Leichtnam.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb.7, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home, 1603 Austin Road, Owatonna. Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1909, St. Paul Road, Owatonna, with an hour of visitation preceding the funeral at church. Leland had requested family and friends wear Minnesota sports apparel to the funeral on Friday. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Owatonna with Military Honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit. Condolences may be expressed at www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.