Howard Christian Lauritsen

Howard Christian Lauritsen was born May 10, 1931 in Hubbard, Nebraska to Chris M. and Ruth H. (Spencer) Lauritsen. Howard grew up in Homer, Nebraska where he attended Sunnyside country school, and graduated from Homer High School in 1949. Howard loved the farm, playing basketball, football, and softball. As an adult, he was active volunteering and serving at his church, school, and in the community. Howard married Estella May “Toody” Millard on November 5, 1950 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Homer, Nebraska and to this union, three sons were born: Tom, Jerry, and Gene. The family made their home in Homer, then moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Beatrice, Nebraska, and Clifton, Kansas, before moving to Omaha, Nebraska. Howard’s first work was in farming, but he began working at Northern Natural Gas as a laborer. He progressed up the ladder at Northern, holding positions as equipment operator helper, equipment operator, measurement technician, before being promoted to operations and maintenance supervisor, and ultimately District Manager, retiring from the Clifton, Kansas location. After his retirement, Howard stayed active with the Northern Natural Gas Retiree Organization. Howard enjoyed spending his time attending the grandchildren’s activities, and playing cards, but also found time to research solutions to problems, and serve and help others. He had a love of animals, and could find the good in anyone. While the boys were growing up, he encouraged them in their Boy Scout endeavors. He could often be found watching the stock market, and actively trading throughout the day. He was fond of the saying, “if you can’t say something good about someone, don’t say anything”, and was annoyed by people’s negativism. Howard will be remembered as a man of integrity and inspiration, who was a great communicator, and was faithful and friendly to all. He cherished his marriage to Toody, and was the biggest fan at any son or grandchild activity. He was thankful to have been able to travel to Denmark and the Holy Land, and will be remembered for his desire to help people in any way he could. Howard passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at the Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, and 16 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Chris and Ruth, and 2 brothers Jim and Melvin. Howard is survived by his wife Estella “Toody” Lauritsen of Elkhorn, sons and daughters-in-law: Tom and Ricki of Bennington, Jerry and Gina of Omaha, and Gene and Patti of Beatrice, NE, 8 grandchildren: Traci (Roger) Mercado, Travis (Freyja) Lauritsen, Tana (Mike) Cieciora, Brett (Kelli) Lauritsen, Natalie Lauritsen, Matthew (Allison) Lauritsen, Emily Lauritsen, Shelby Lauritsen, and 6 great grandchildren. Howard C. Lauritsen, age 82, of Elkhorn, died 5/26/13. Preceded in death by parents and 2 brothers. Survived by wife Estella “Toody” Lauritsen of Elkhorn, sons and daughters-in-law: Tom and Ricki of Bennington, Jerry and Gina of Omaha, and Gene and Patti of Beatrice, NE, 8 grandchildren: Traci (Roger) Mercado, Travis (Freyja) Lauritsen, Tana (Mike) Cieciora, Brett (Kelli) Lauritsen, Natalie, Matthew (Allison), Emily, and Shelby Lauritsen, 6 great grandchildren. Funeral service 10:30 A.M. Friday, May 31, Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn. Interment Omaha Valley Cemetery, Homer, Nebraska. Visitation Thursday Noon to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Memorials to the Homer Education Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Howard Christian Lauritsen

May 10, 1931 - May 26, 2013