Russell W. “Russ” Howe Born: 12/23/1923; Died: 01/29/2007 Russell W. “Russ” Howe, age 83 of Monticello died Monday January 29, 2007 at North Memorial Medical Center of Robbinsdale. Funeral services will be Friday February 2, 2007 at 11 AM at Community United Methodist Church of Monticello. Rev. Daniel Wetterstrom will officiate. Private interment will be at Mound Cemetery of Brooklyn Center. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 PM to 8 PM at Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel, and also one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday. There will be a Masonic service Thursday at 7 PM. Funeral arrangements are with the Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel of Monticello. Russ was born on December 31, 1923 in Minneapolis to Frank and Christine (Magnuson) Howe. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1942. He was united in marriage to Fern Green on April 28, 1944. Russ grew up in Brooklyn Center and farmed on the family farm on Brooklyn Boulevard until 1957, when he purchased the Monticello property (Big Lake Township) and began his potato farming business there. Russ retired from farming in 1980 and continued living on the farm until his death. Russ was active in the Masons in his earlier years. He was known by many area residents for his generous sharing of the bounty of his marvelous gardens. He and his companion dog, Teaka were seen daily at the Monticello post office. Many will miss his well developed and often practiced sense of humor. Russ was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, great grandpa, uncle, friend and neighbor, who loved all of his family and extended family dearly. He will be forever remembered for his sense of humor, fairness, compassion and loving nature. Russ is survived by six children Joyce Howe of Mpls, Bonita (Frank) Klein of Monticello, Jim (Nona) Howe of Big Lake, Gail Howe of Monticello, Bill (Brenda) Howe of Monticello, Kay (Leo) Schroden of Big Lake; 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister Audrey Burgquest of Tucson, AZ; and the Tom and Charlene Williams family. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Christine, wife Fern, brothers Bud and Ev, and sister Sal Nitz. Serving as casket bearers will be grandchildren Valerie Walser, Kenny Howe, April Howe, Melissa Schroden, Warren Schroden, Delite Howe, Christina Oltjen and Wayne Howe.