Howard Alvin Van Minsel

Dateline: Spring Grove, MN Howard A. Van Minsel of Spring Grove, MN passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at the age of 82. Howard was born on June 1, 1942 in Waumandee, WI to August and Elsie (Doebbert) Van Minsel & was the youngest of 7 children. His mother Elsie (Doebbert) passed away when Howard was three years old. He was blessed and forever thankful when his father married his second mother, Elsie (Haesler-Olson) at age eleven. He attended public school in Buffalo City, WI & Caledonia, MN. He was never shy of a hard days work, and found employment as a farm hand through his teen years. He joined the United States Army in November of 1960 and was honorably discharged in November of 1963. Howard married the love of his life, Arlene Moen on July 12, 1964 in Caledonia, MN. He started his career with Kruckow Construction after he was discharged from the United States Army where he operated earth moving equipment building a dam near Viroqua, WI. His desire to be self-employed was fulfilled as an owner-operator from 1974-2007, hauling anything from bombs to birdseed and a lot in between. He traveled through the lower 48 states, Puerto Rico & the majority of Canada. After a significant injury brought an early and unwelcome retirement at age 65, he beat the odds and was behind the wheel two years returning to Kruckow more than 50 years after his first employment with them. In semi-retirement, he worked at the Houston County Recycling Center up until the age of 81. Howard's expectations of others were no different than the code he lived by...family first, honesty & hard work. He was proud of the life he built with Arlene. His children & grandchildren were his absolute pride and joy. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene; son Wayne Van Minsel; daughter Heather Edgington; grandchildren Grace, Mariah & Dane Edgington. Sisters-in-law Elaine Van Minsel, Mari Jean Van Minsel, Marcene Van Minsel, Victoria Sazama, Andrea (Todd) Oliverius; brothers-in-law Adrian (Pat) Moen, Arden (Terry) Moen, Andre Moen, Alvin Moen & many nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents August, Elsie & Elsie; siblings, Leo Van Minsel, Arvilla Burmeister, Jack Van Minsel, Alan Van Minsel, Earl Van Minsel, Kenny (Carol) Van Minsel & Charlene (Bernie) Hansen. A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Giants of the Earth, 163 Main Street, Spring Grove MN on Sunday, December 1st from 1-4 pm. A private service with Military Honors will be held at 3pm Wednesday, November 27th at the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, MN. A special thank you to the Mayo Hospice team who provided exceptional care and support, allowing family to honor Howard's wishes to stay in his home. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove, MN is assisting with arrangements.

Howard Alvin Van Minsel

June 1, 1942 - November 6, 2024