Howard Paschke

The rock of our family soared into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. We rejoice that he is home and reunited with our mother.

Howard Wayne Paschke was born to Clarence B. and Gertrude (Prescott) Paschke on June 13, 1928 in Blue Earth, MN. He and his brother and sister were raised on a farm at Marna.  Howard attended country school followed by high school in Blue Earth where he graduated in 1946. While in high school, Howard worked alongside his dad at the elevator as well as at the Allis Chalmers Implement dealership that his father owned.

Howard’s great grandparents were early members of Immanual Evangelical Church where he was baptized and confirmed. This became Immanuel Evangelical United Brethren (E.U.B.) and eventually Hope United Methodist Church.

At age 12 Howard discovered his lifelong passion for flying and became a licensed private plane pilot while attending college. He felt fortunate to live close to the municipal airport for much of his life allowing him to fly frequently.  In 2007 Howard received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award which was a tremendous honor achieved by pilots who have a record of flying safely for 50 years. He supported Mission Aviation Fellowship and when he was no longer able to fly Howard donated his planes to Wings of Hope.

Howard graduated from Westmar College with a degree in Philosophy and afterward served in the Korean War as a First Lieutenant in the Army Artillery Corp. While overseas he became pen pals with a beautiful nurse, Mollie Hovda. They fell in love and were married on April 3, 1954 and raised 5 daughters on a farm outside of Blue Earth.

Howard and Mollie (his wife of 68 years) centered their family life around their love for God.  Howard was an active member of the community and of his church. He was a founding member of KJLY, the local Christian radio station, and did a great deal of public speaking in his roles as Lay Leader and Lay Speaker, and as a member of Gideon’s International. He participated in Prison Ministry and also taught Sunday School for many years.

During the farming crisis of the 1980s Howard and Mollie endured numerous challenges but, true to form, they relied on God’s grace and persevered. Dad became someone other farmers turned to for support. It was a desperate time for many and it wasn’t uncommon for him to receive phone calls in the middle of the night. Dad’s ability to listen and empathize, with an attitude only he could muster, helped to bolster those also struggling.   

In 2003 dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer and again, remaining true to his unwavering faith and belief in miracles, he put his trust in God.

Howard and Mollie participated in several mission trips as UMCORE Volunteers on various Caribbean Islands participating in repair and construction efforts after hurricanes. Some of their other adventures took them to Switzerland, France and other parts of Europe, South Korea, and China where they smuggled Bibles. 

Howard’s interests were vast and varied and included collecting and restoring antique Allis Chalmers tractors. Dad was an avid reader and life-long learner. We have always been proud of dad’s positive mindset and his desire and ability to stay current. He lived by his mottos, “never give up” and “go, go, go”, pushing his body and mind all of his life. We are so very thankful to have been raised by two of the kindest people on the planet who were devoted to each other and who served as wonderful examples of God’s love.

Preceding him in death were his wife, brother Harley, and his cherished friends and in-laws, Betsy and Mel Anderson, Meg and Bob Close, Herman and Margaret Hovda, Oliver and Carol Hovda, Buddy and Gretchen Hovda, Freida and Harold Jensen, and Sky and Donna Hovda. 

Howard is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Lehlia Paschke, Deborah (Bill) Manske, Betsy (Chris) Preus, Amalia Olson, Gertrude Paschke, 13 grandchildren, Adeline Burtt, Hans Burtt, Amalia Groh, Joshua Manske, Bjorn Olson, Kaia Preus, Annika Ewert, AnnaLise Manske, Eliana Harris, Aeli Olson, Maxwell Preus, Signe Olson, Haakon Johnson, 13 great-grandchildren, sister Kay Fairchild, sister-in-law Doris Paschke and close friends Louie Schaefer and Staci Thompson.  

We will forever be grateful to Dr. Gary Goldberg for giving us over 20 extra years with daddy, to Dr. Richard Branson who never failed to bring a spark to all of us during our visits to the VA, to our beautiful friend, Helen Bells, and to Friendship Manor in Shakopee. You blessed us beyond anything we could have imagined and we believe you were the place Mommy chose for our dear father to live when we could no longer care for him at home. 

A Celebration of Howard’s life will be held Tuesday, May 28^th at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth. Visitation will be at 1:00 with the service at 2:00. A special graveside service honoring both Howard and Mollie will be held immediately following at Immanual United Methodist Cemetery.