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Duane Howard
Duane Floyd Howard, age 82, of Sheyenne, ND, died Thursday, October 1, 2015, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, ND. Duane Floyd Howard was born August 2, 1933, in Devils Lake, ND, to Floyd and Stella (Prinzing) Howard. He graduated from Minnewaukan High School in 1952. He married his childhood sweetheart, Orpha Hanson on November 17, 1956, at Minnewaukan. They made their home on the Howard Ranch, Minnewaukan, where they raised three daughters. The rising waters of Devils Lake forced the couple to leave their ranch in 1997, and to the present time have made their home in Sheyenne. Duane’s lifelong love of rodeo started actively in high school. In 1952, at the age of 18, he became the first North Dakotan to win a National High School rodeo title in the bareback riding. Duane was an all-around cowboy who competed at the highest level of Pro Rodeo in his youth. Later he served on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors, was a PRCA pick-up man and one of the first PRCA professional judges (1982-1994), working the National Finals Rodeo 11 times. Duane competed in two rough stock events (bull riding and saddle bronc riding) as a professional, finishing as Reserve World Champion in bull riding three times (1955, 1957 and 1960) and also as Reserve World Champion in the All Around in 1957. He qualified for the first National Finals Rodeo in 1959 and also in 1960. Duane was one of North Dakota’s legendary “Six-Pack”. Duane was inducted into the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Medora on Aug. 7, 1999; the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City on Oct. 1, 2007; and the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs on July 12, 2008. Duane is remembered and admired by people across the country for his abilities, friendship, honesty and integrity.
Duane is survived by his wife of 59 years, Orpha; daughters Luana (LeRoy) Buckmeier and Anelle (Donnie Huber) Howard, both of Sheyenne, Marena (Quince) Hambek of Devils Lake; grandson Mitchell (Elisha) Poulsen, Sheyenne, granddaughter Leah Poulsen, Devils Lake; great-grandson Stephen Merrick-Lawrence and great-granddaughter, Ava Marie Hoime; his brother, Larry Howard of Ray, ND; nephews Jay and Danny Howard; and many cousins. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Stella Howard; his grandparents, Harry and Martha Howard and Andrew and Margaret Prinzing; two sisters Betty Lou and baby girl Howard; and many uncles and aunts.
PRAYER SERVICE: Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford DATE AND TIME: Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 10:00AM BURIAL: Riverside Cemetery, Sheyenne |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Tom decker
Date: Oct 31 2015
Message: I knew of Duane Howard from being involved in rodeo myself .he was of course A top cowboy and very well known but he was much much more than that, Duane Was one of those rare people with pure humility and pure integrity and pure class I am so lucky to have been one of your many friends.
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Name: Catherine Howard
Date: 10/9/2015
Message: Duane was a very kind man, he was a true hero. He supported a lot of Dakota families from Spirit Lake. We will miss him at the next basketball game - he always comes and supports our team with pride. Rest In Peace from your friend
Name: Janel Taylor
Date: 10/7/2015
Message: I was sadden when I heard the news of Duane's passing. He was always a great person to have as a neighbor and friend. My deepest sympathies to his wonderful family.
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Name: John MS Jones
Date: October/7/2015
Message: I admired this man as a person and as great,elite rodeo cowboy. One of the very best bronc and bull riders ever. Duane stood out.
I first seen Duane in both riding events at the Phoenix JC Rodeo during 1957 or 1958. He lookled like an English Knight. Dark hair and clear white complexion. I think he won the bull riding that year.
My Sympathy to the Howard family.
We all lost a great one, God gained a great one.
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Name: LuAnn Hanson
Date: 10/6/2015
Message: I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know Duane when I worked at the North Dakota Stockmens Assoc. with his old buddy Jack Chase. I so enjoyed his visits and warm personality. Loved his stories and can still hear his voice, it was a distinct kind of voice, so kind and full of love for all his friends and family. And yes the Great Six Pack!!! Love that picture. He will be missed but we know he's riding in greener pastures. Rest in peace Cowboy.
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Name: Sheila Severtson Matsubara
Date: October 6, 2015
Message: With sympathy.
Had the opportunity to see the terrific display honoring Duane at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame in Medora a few summers ago.
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Name: Don Brandvold
Date: October 6 ,2015
Message: Very sorry. I first met Duane at the Benson County fair when some of us were sleeping in the hay barns. So long ago. Great champion and good guy. Went to high school with you.
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Name: Aaron Taylor
Date: 10/6/2015
Message: My deepest condolences to Orpha, family and his many friends on Duane's passing. He lived a life full of special experiences doing what he loved, with integrity, wit and wisdom. His love of family and friends will carry on, Duane has given all fortunate to know him many great memories. He will be missed and remembered very fondly.
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Name: Sue Blair
Date 10/5/15
Message: Annie and Family:
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. God Bless your family during this difficult time!
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Name: Kevin Riggle and Shannon
Date: 10/05/2015
Message: So sorry for your loss - may your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
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Name: Danette Wetzel Houle
Date: 10-2-15
Message: My heart sank when Peewee told me of Duane's passing. He was a very special man, like a grandfather, to me. He will be missed by so many and forever loved. Thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of his family members. I will remember him every day.
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Name: Dolores Mellum Boint
Date: 10-1-2015
Message: So sorry to hear of Duane's passing. We graduated in the same class and hung out in the same bunch. He was a great guy, a great champion. My sympathy goes out to the family.