Robert E. Howe, 74
Published 3:05 pm Monday, April 28, 2025
Robert E. Howe, 74
Robert E. Howe, age 74, of Dexter, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, surrounded by his family at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Methodist Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.
Robert was born on August 15, 1950 in Austin, Minnesota to Stanley and Beverly (Berg) Howe. He graduated from Elkton High School with the Class of 1968. Bob served two years in the U.S. Army as a Specialist with the Military Police in 1971-72. He married Lynette Rabine and together they had four daughters. They later divorced. Bob married JoAnn Kenyon on July 12, 1980 at Dexter Methodist Church. This union brought together a blended family. He started working in cabinetry while employed with Bob Thompson. He went on to work for Plywood Minnesota, and later, Krugers Cabinets, making counter tops. In 1983, he built a successful business from the ground up known as Howe Counter Tops.
Bob served on the Dexter Fire Department for over 33 years. He was a member of the Grand Meadow American Legion Color Guard and the Heartland Sno Goers Club.
In his spare time, Bob loved snowmobiling, spending time at the cabin on Lake Minnewawa and fishing. He enjoyed starting his day with coffee at the Patriot. Driving Ol’ Bob around Dexter was a favorite pastime as well as farming and checking his crops. He loved to watch Westerns, especially Gun Smoke. Family gatherings were a highlight for him, and he truly loved the company of his family and friends. He lived his entire life in the Dexter community and will be remembered as a legendary icon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Bev Howe; daughter, Tanya Howe; a granddaughter and grandson; and brothers, Bryce Howe and Brian Howe.
Bob is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, JoAnn Howe of Dexter; children, Scott (Julie) Johnson of Byron, MN, Sherry (Tim) Kiefer of Mukwonago, WI, Susie (Kelvin) Retterath of Mound, MN, Wendy (Joe) Risius of Brownsdale, MN, Mishawn (Dave) Kalkman of Cape Coral, FL, Jessica (Shane) Hudella of Hastings, MN, and Alysia (Nick) Zarbo of Hastings, MN; 18 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; siblings, Bill (LeaAnn) Howe, Brad (Shelly) Howe, Barb (Mike) Hatle, and Bart (Pam) Howe; sister-in-law, Carmen Howe; nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:30 pm on Friday, May 2nd at the Adams Funeral Home and a celebration of Bob’s life will continue at the Adams American Legion beginning at 5:00 pm. Interment will be in Dexter Cemetery with Grand Meadow American Legion Post #140 in charge of Military Rites. Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.