Obituary: Alan E. Howey

Alan E. Howey of Rogers, MN

Aug. 14, 1949 - Feb. 27, 2013

Alan Eugene Howey was born in Morris, Minnesota August 14th 1949, to parents Lynn and Blanche Howey. Al was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Chokio and confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, June 7, 1964. He was raised on a farm near Chokio and graduated from Chokio High School in 1967. Al then attended and graduated from Alexandria Technical School in 1969.

On November 6, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart Karen Zimmerman. They have lived in Corcoran for 36 years where they raised four children, Kristine, Michelle, Derek, and Craig.

For the last 37 years, Al worked at MTS Systems in Eden Prairie as a manufacturing engineer. Over these years he gained the respect of many colleagues and had come to be known as the “go to” person for work advice. Al was very proud of his contributions to his many projects, locally and overseas.

Al was actively involved in his community. He served as a member of the Hanover Athletic Association for over 20 years where he worked and volunteered countless hours giving back to the surrounding areas’ youth. In 2012, Al was awarded the City of Hanover Vitalization Award that recognized his valuable efforts to improve the quality of life for the citizens within the area.

Most important to Al was his family. He made many personal sacrifices to better the lives of his wife and children. His family recalls him giving up playing golf so he had time for his children’s various activities. He also bought a boat for the pleasure of his family even though he was uncomfortable around water. Al made his family a priority and was most happy when they were all together.

He was best known for his full head of silver hair, sharp wit, and memorable smile.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Blanche Howey and father-in-law Alvin Zimmerman, brother-in-laws Gene Sorenson, and Jeff Meltzer, and nephew Brett Rutten.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; children Kristine (Brandon) Eull; Michelle (Russ) Elletson, Derek (Jess) Howey, and Craig (Jessi Heins) Howey; grandchildren Emma, Titan, Emmett and Oliver; His siblings Spencer (Connie) Howey, Joyce (Dave) Bunjie, Karen Meltzer, Vern Howey, Debra (Basel) Evans, and Adrian Howey; and his favorite mother-in-law, Ruth Zimmerman.

Information provided by The Peterson Chapel.