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     A joint memorial service celebrating the lives of Robert Dean Howell and Irene Zimmerman Howell, of Aberdeen, will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, with Pastor Chris Strohm officiating.

     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the mortuary on Wednesday.

     A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at Schriver’s Memorial Fellowship Center.

     Spring burial will take place at the Butler Cemetery in Butler, SD.

      In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Butler Cemetery Association, 14648 423rd Avenue, Bristol, SD  57219.

     Robert Dean Howell was born May 9, 1936 in Aberdeen, SD to Harvey and Margaret (Nelson) Howell.  Robert attended Plainview Country School of rural Aberdeen through 8th grade and went on to graduate from Aberdeen Central.

     Bob married Sharon Wilson in Aberdeen, SD on January 22, 1958.  Of that marriage, two children were born, Robert Jr. and Doreen.  

     Bob was employed at Crawford Trucking in Aberdeen for many years.  He married Irene Zimmerman on May 20, 1978.  They moved to Tucson, Arizona and Bob was employed in construction specializing in drywall.  In 2004, they moved back to Aberdeen. Never one to sit still, Bob continued to work in drywall.  Even when he tried to retire, he kept getting called back because of his excellent work.  Many homes and offices in Aberdeen are monuments to his unique style.

     Bob was known as a gentle soul.  He was the quiet one behind the scenes, always helping his neighbors on projects and giving rides to the sick.  He was a devoted son, husband, brother, grandpa and dad to his entire family.  His family adored him and he could often be found helping them with house projects, teaching them his special drywall techniques, or just talking cars and gardening.  Bob knew the satisfaction of a job well done and never settled for less than perfection.  

     Bob passed away on Wednesday, December 14th in Aberdeen.

     Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Jerry Howell and Marjorie Gubin, and his son Robert Howell Jr.  He was survived by his wife, Irene, who passed away the following day.

     He is survived by siblings Donna Johnson and Dennis (Claudia) Howell; daughter, Doreen "Dodie" (James) Collins; and granddaughters Heather Jo Collins and Danielle Howell Guymon.  He is also survived by stepchildren: Virginia (Harold) Pemble, Randy Zimmerman and Brent (Vickie) Zimmerman and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.