On April 17, 2015, surrounded by his loved ones, Dale Howell “crossed over” peacefully. 

He was born Nov. 28, 1950, in Missoula to Leon Howell and Beatrice Stipe Howell. He was raised in Charlo and attended school there until he graduated in 1969. Dale was a small piece of a large family, and even though he may have never met all his aunts, uncles and cousins, the ones who had the pleasure of knowing him held many fond memories.

Dale completed a semester of college, but decided that it wasn’t for him and enlisted in the U.S. Army and went to Vietnam, where he was a gunner. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Kalispell in 1972. With a deep sense of love for the outdoors he procured his sawyers license, and though he loved the idea and had a great respect for the loggers, he found it wasn’t for him, but was still always excited about harvesting his own firewood and getting ready for the winter.

He apprenticed with the Carpenters Local 911, and continued with Stewart and James Construction. He was the best at it and loved every minute and continued with the company through the years and its name changes, and acquired many long-lasting friends at Meredith Construction.

In December 1977, he was introduced to his wife of 37 years, Sueann Stertz. So much in love were they that they were married five months later at the County Courthouse in Kalispell. Together they had two beautiful daughters: Raina Ann in 1980 and Elizabeth Sue in 1982.

Dale was a MacGyver and could fix anything, and when the day came he could no longer salvage at the dump, he was devastated. He loved to be outdoors, hunting, camping, fishing — particularly in his boat — and thought it didn’t get any better than that, even if he didn’t catch anything. But when he did hook something, it was that much better.

Dale is preceded in death by his father Leon, mother Beatrice and sister Denise. He is survived by his wife Sueann, daughters Raina (Ryan) Wanless, Elizabeth (Latigo) St. Marie, grandson Julian St. Marie, granddaughter Saylor St. Marie all of Kalispell, sister Carol Cariveau of Ellensberg, Washington, brothers Curtiss, Rodney and Wayne Howell of Kalispell as well as numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Eagles Club, 37 First Street W., Kalispell. Please join us and share your love and memories of a truly great man.