Sivert (Tom) Howe

Sivert Thomas “Tom” Howe, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 9, leaving behind a life marked by dedication to family, community, and hard work.

Tom was born April 3, 1937, at the farm home of his parents, Irvin and Minnie (Berg) Howe, in rural Rolette, North Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Oak Creek Lutheran Church in rural Rolette, where his lifelong Lutheran faith was rooted.

Tom graduated from Rolette High School in 1955 and spent the next few years farming near Rolette. He continued his education at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton before serving his country in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962 in a missile battalion. Following his service, Tom attended North Dakota State University, earning a degree in civil engineering.

On July 29, 1961, Tom married the love of his life, Sharon, at First Lutheran Church in Rugby, North Dakota. The couple shared 65 years of marriage together. Over the years, Tom and Sharon made homes in Meriden, Connecticut; Fargo, North Dakota; the Twin Cities; Sauk Centre, Minnesota; Detroit Lakes, Minnesota; and eventually Toad Lake, Minnesota, where they lived from 1993 onward.

Tom worked his entire career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He was an engineer working in design and construction for 31 years. He took pride in his work and the infrastructure he helped create.

Tom enjoyed hunting and fishing, coaching youth hockey and baseball, and cheering on his favorite teams—the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, and Minnesota Vikings. He was a huge fan of rodeo and enjoyed both attending rodeo events and watching them on television. A skilled handyman, Tom was always ready to lend a hand or tackle a project.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles, and he valued the fellowship and service those organizations provided.

Tom and Sharon enjoyed their retirement years living at their home on Toad Lake. They also traveled the country in their camper and later spent winters in Texas.

Tom is lovingly survived by his wife, Sharon; his sons, Steven (Shelly) Howe of Red Lodge, Montana, and Neil (Michelle) Howe of Plymouth, Minnesota; and his cherished grandchildren, Phil (Ashley) Brinegar, William Schwindt, Maddie Schwindt, Benjamin (Kaina) Schwindt, Chelsea Howe, Courtney Howe, Peyton Howe, and Torin Howe. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren, his sister Irma Howe Lunde, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carrie Howe; his parents, Irvin and Minnie Howe; his sister and brother-in-law, Marguerite and Oscar Lynnes; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Lunde.

Tom will be remembered for his quiet strength, steady work ethic, and deep love for family, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through all who knew and loved him.