Howard N. Manstedt

Howard N. Manstedt was born August 14, 1917 in Billings, Montana to Eric and Effie (Wallin) Manstedt. His father worked as a farm hand and the family eventually settled in Wahoo where Howard attended school at District 70. Following graduation from Wahoo High School, Howard attended Luther College for one year. During his youth, Howard developed a passion for baseball and softball and continued to play second base well into his adult life. He shared his love for that sport with his children, often playing catch with them in the yard after milking cows and the evening chores. He created beautiful harmony in the church and community quartets in which he sang for many years with his brother Harold. Howard met Claresse Holtorf at a Sow Dance in Weston and knew right away that she was to be the love of his life. They married August 1, 1943 at the Edensburg Lutheran Church in Malmo. Howard and Claresse celebrated a 57 year marriage during which they created cherished memories for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and opened their home to family where they hosted gatherings for many occasions as well as wrestling teams coached by their son Norm Howard enlisted in the United States Army prior to World War II and was first stationed in Hawaii. In order to get home to marry Claresse he was accepted to Officer Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA. After completing OCS he was shipped to North Africa then to Sicily and eventually Italy where he served as a Replacement Officer. While stationed in Italy Howard witnessed the public display of Benito Mussolini's remains in the public square in Milan following his execution. Howard enjoyed a family reunion in Italy with his brother Harold and brother-in-law Joe Breunig who were also stationed in that country. Following his military service, Howard returned to Wahoo where he resumed his farming career, somewhat dismayed that horses were no longer used in the day-to-day operation. He purchased 40 acres of farmland and worked the land and raised dairy cattle. As he was able, Howard made subsequent land purchases throughout his 67 year farming career. His work ethic was strong as was his respect for other people. Howard was a man of great integrity and displayed that quality not only in his family and work life, but also in his involvement in the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and a Deacon. He sang in the choir for many years and was a member of the Mariners. Howard also served on the Council on Ministry in the Presbytery. He was involved in planning the design of the current church building and raising the funds for its completion. Howard served on the District 70 School Board and was a member of the American Legion Post #82 and the Wahoo VFW Post #4502 in Wahoo where he served as Commander for the Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Farm and Home Group in District 70. He is survived by his son Norman Manstedt of Clarks NE; daughters and son-in-law Garnet Harders of Wahoo, and Janet and Tim Cullen of Yuma CO; sister Helen Breunig of Wahoo; sisters-in-law Elva Manstedt of Wahoo and Bernadine Seadschlag of Brighton CO; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Eric and Ashley Manstedt (Haedyn and Scarlett), Mitch and Kate Manstedt (Quinn and Brooks), Amber and Mike Scanlon (Joe and Jake), Ramsey and Tammy Harders (Moriah and Julia), Chandra and John LeTard (Nash and Willow), Regan and Smitty Silvis (Madelyn and Isaiah), and Sara Cullen. Preceding him in death were his wife Claresse; parents Eric and Effie Manstedt; great-grandson Paul Scanlon and Brother Harold Manstedt.