Obituaries : Richard Lee “Dick” Howe

Richard Lee “Dick” Howe, 87, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on November 24, 2025.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, Iowa, with Reverend Stephen Preus officiating. Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church prior to the memorial service from 9:30 until 10:45 AM. Internment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton, Iowa, with Graveside Military Rites.

Dick was born on February 6, 1938, in Van Horne, Iowa, the son of Emmet and Frances (Nelson) Howe. He attended Washington High School in Vinton, Iowa, where he played football from freshman through senior year and served as captain of his football team, graduating in 1956. He proudly served his country as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force before returning home to begin his life’s work.

After his military service, Dick worked as a tuckpointer, a craft he mastered with dedication and skill. In 1980, he founded Vinton Tuckpointing, a business he built with pride and hard work. The company continues his legacy today under the leadership of his son, Matthew.

Dick had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether fishing, hunting, or tending to his garden, he found peace and joy in nature. He also enjoyed traveling and cherished time spent with family and friends.

His steady presence, humor, and strong work ethic touched everyone who knew him.

In 1969, Dick married the love of his life, Judy (Schwarting) Howe, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, Iowa. She survives him.

He is also survived by his children, Tricia and Matthew Howe; his granddaughter, Abigail; and her half sisters, Breauna, Kali, and Madison; his brother, Larry Howe, and wife, Liz; and brother-in-law, Jim Mahurin.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his infant daughter, Brenda Kay; his sisters, Colleen Lauterwasser and Carol Mahurin; and his brother-in-law, Kenny Lauterwasser.

Dick will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Memorials in Dick’s memory may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com