Federal Dam – Bruce “Bear” Henry Howick, 71, of Federal Dam, formerly of Billings, MT, died peacefully on Friday, December 29, 2017.
    Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Walker. Burial will be at a later date at Park Ridge Cemetery in Norden Township, Thief River Falls. Visitation will beh held one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
    Bruce was born on December 17, 1946, the oldest child of Lloyd and Bunny Howick who farmed west of Thief River Falls. At an early age, Bruce showed an aptitude for hunting, fishing, hockey, football, farming and engineering. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Class of 1964. He played football and studied engineering and business at North Dakota State University. 
    Bruce enlisted in the US Navy May 1968 until 1972.  During his military service, he served as an avionics electronic technician and also Navy Special Forces Combat Search and Rescue. Upon honorable discharge, he studied Aviation and Business at the University of North Dakota.  It was during those years he met his future wife, Claudette Tisch. Together they raised five children and when possible, opened their home to several people needing a helping hand. 
    Bruce was an implement salesman and district manager for Case IH and later RDO John Deere, along with being an entrepreneur and financial advisor. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and master storyteller. He regaled his family and friends with many wonderful stories and memories.  He loved his family very much.  
    Bruce’s favorite role of all was that of Grandpa. He was a big strong man who understood that his eternal optimism stemmed from his steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was active in Billings, MT Trinity Lutheran Church choir, building committee and bible studies. He and Claudette retired to Leech Lake in 2017 and joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Walker.
    Bruce is survived by his wife of 43 years, Claudette (Tisch) Howick; daughters: Tamra (Ken) Matsuda, and children Cristian, Eli and Hunter of Delano, Andrea (Richard) Lays, and children Elinor, Roslyn and Sophia of Grand Forks, ND, and Angela (Jordan) Schaefer and children Joey and Billy, Lakeville; sons: Greg Howick of Dickinson, ND and Zach Howick of Grand Forks, ND; sister Sara (James) Blix of Thief River Falls; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
    Bruce is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Howick, mother, Elizabeth "Bunny" Howick, brother Frederic Howick, father-in-law, Walter Tisch and two grandchildren, Lydia Schaefer and Elijah Matsuda.
    In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Immanuel Lutheran School, 4656 State 200 NW Walker, MN 56484, (218) 547-4139. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home of Deer River.
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