Howard John Obert

Howard John Obert, known affectionately as Howie, was a man of remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to his family. Born on March 10, 1944, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, Howie's journey through life touched the hearts of many. His passing on May 11, 2024, at his home in Fridley marked the end of a life well-lived.

Howie's career as a machinist spanned 25 years, where his ingenuity knew no bounds. He had a knack for engineering and designing tools that were not only functional but also innovative. Later in life, he pursued a different path and attended tech school to become a truck driver. The open road captivated him, and he found joy in the simplicity of driving.

As a father and grandfather, Howie's presence was larger than life. His children - Brad, Bill, Angela (Eric) - held a special place in his heart. He poured his energy into ensuring they had everything they needed and felt loved unconditionally. Howie's grandchildren - Evan (Andrea), Austin (Joël), Mary (Cory), Rachel (Ryan), Olivia, and Lucie - were the light of his life. The arrival of great-grandchildren Carter, Quentin, Kai, Audri, Jordyn, McKenna, Kian, and soon-to-arrive Casey brought him immense joy.

Memories of Howie are filled with tales of his boundless generosity, unrivaled sense of humor and his ability to reel you into a story. Whether it was fixing something, building a swingset or teaching his children or someone else how to drive, he approached every moment with patience and love. Howie's love for family extended beyond blood relations; he cherished long-lasting friendships that felt like family.

His hobbies reflected his passion for life - from caring for cars (mostly Ford) and motorcycles (Harley Davidson) to belting out John Cougar Mellencamp's "Cherry Bomb" at karaoke nights. Howie's routine of spending evenings at Adagios bar showcased his love for simple pleasures and meaningful connections. He also enjoyed reading, mostly Jack Reacher or Stephen King.

In the face of health challenges like dementia and diabetes in his later years, Howie remained resilient and kind-hearted. His move to Landmark of Fridley allowed him to maintain independence while forming new bonds with those around him. As his days grew shorter leading to his final moments surrounded by loved ones at home, Howie's legacy as a devoted father, husband, friend, grandpa, and great-grandpa shone brightly.

The services to celebrate Howard John Obert's life will be held on May 29th at Miller Funeral Home & Crematory in Fridley. A visitation will take place from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM followed by a Service and Celebration of Life from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. We will serve desserts and beverages at funeral home. 

We will continue celebrating Howie at his favorite bar, Adagios in New Brighton, after the service.

As we bid farewell to Howie on this earthly plane, may we carry forward the lessons of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion that he so effortlessly imparted to us all. Howard John Obert will be greatly missed and his memory will forever remain etched in our hearts as a beacon of strength and affectionate wisdom that guides us through life's journey.

From Howie's Family: A special Thank you to Landmark of Fridley and their staff for loving and caring for our Dad and enjoying how special he was.