Harold "Harry" Howell

Harold "Harry" Howell, 73, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at his home.

Harry's wishes were to be cremated, and a celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, at City Lights Bar & Event Center.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is honored to serve the Howell family. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Harry was born on November 15, 1952, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to James and Ruth (Beckler) Howell. He attended Ordway Public School through the eighth grade, Monroe Junior High for ninth grade, and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School with the Class of 1971. During high school, Harry worked at City Radio & TV & Appliance and Engel Music, where his strong work ethic and easygoing personality were already evident.

Following graduation, Harry attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, studying Business and Finance. After college, he began his career with Midco Cable and later worked in financing at Wilmsmeyer Carpet and Furniture. His work in finance led him to AVCO Finance, where his career would take him and his growing family to several cities, including Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Omaha, Bismarck, Minot, and even Shreveport, Louisiana.

In December of 1975, Harry married Sandra Cleland. Together, they built a life centered on family and hard work. After multiple promotions within AVCO, including serving as Assistant Manager and managing one of the company’s largest branches, Harry ultimately chose to return home to Aberdeen.

Back in Aberdeen, Harry began a long and successful banking career with First National Bank, which later became Norwest and eventually Wells Fargo, where he served as Assistant Vice President. During this time, Harry and Sandy built their home in Aberdeen and welcomed their two sons, Matt and Nick.

Harry later accepted a position with The People’s Bank, where he served as Assistant Vice President for 11 years and played an important role in the bank’s growth. While there, he was instrumental in helping organize the Aberdeen Soccer Association. He was deeply involved in his sons’ participation in the sport and proudly coached several teams.

Harry’s interests extended far beyond banking and entrepreneurship. He loved snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, and attending basketball and baseball games. One of his greatest joys was go-kart racing with his sons. He dedicated countless hours working alongside them in the garage and at the track, celebrating as both boys went on to win championships in their divisions.

In 1992, Harry changed gears for a moment and opened a successful video store called Northview Video in Aberdeen. Harry and Sandy later separated in 1996 but remained connected through their shared love for their children.

In 1999, Harry sold the video store to his sister Marion and Dave Osborn.

Harry returned to his professional career as the first manager of CoreTrust Bank in Aberdeen. He later worked in finance at Johnson Motors, Wells Fargo Finance, and ultimately settled at Harr Motors, where he worked in finance and collections.

In 2004, Harry met Melissa Bock, and she remained a meaningful part of his life for the rest of his years.

Later in life, his two sons both gave him “Grandpa status” with three Grandchildren. Nick’s daughter, Hailey Ray, Matt’s daughter, Payton, and son Damon.

In May 2023, Harry welcomed a new companion into his life, a dog named Lulu! She quickly became one of his greatest joys, and he probably loved her as much as he loved his own grandchildren!

April of 2025, Harry decided to retire from Harr Motors due to health issues he was having.

Harry passed away peacefully in his own home on February 12, 2026. The Howell family would like to extend our gratitude to Kassaundra Grengs for being Harry’s personal home nurse during his final days of life.

Harry is survived by his two sons, Matt Howell (Kassaundra Grengs) and Nick Howell (Amy Norris); his three grandchildren, Damon, Hailey Ray, and Payton; and his siblings, Tom Howell, Raymond “Rusty” (Maureen) Howell, Helen (Melvin) Lobes, and Marion (Dave) Osborn.

Harry will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his steady leadership, his involvement in the community, and the countless hours he spent supporting his sons in every endeavor they pursued. His legacy lives on in the lives of his children and grandchildren, and in the community, he called home.