Larry Douglas Howes

Representative Larry Howes, husband, father, grandfather, sportsman, politician, and legend to some, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2023. Because he trusted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on his behalf, he is in heaven free of pain and any burden of sin and guilt and can now breathe freely for eternity. 

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 30, 1947, to Nick and Midge Howes, Larry was a legend on the playground and a bit of a handful while growing up with the Roosevelt class of ‘65. He married his fifth-grade sweetheart, Myrna, in 1965. Over a span of twenty years, they were blessed with five children whom he loved equally, yet differently.  For about thirty years he was a cement mason, owning his own business most of that time.  In 1991 the family moved north to caretake Camp Patmos in Hackensack, Minnesota, a camp he helped to build many years earlier. 

For many years Myrna was actively involved in politics, but after moving up north someone had the wild idea that Larry should run for political office. In true Larry fashion he dove in and was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1998 and served for fourteen years. He loved the dynamics of state government and was a strong champion for his constituents and the causes that were dear to him. He advanced legislation for veteran and conservation initiatives, as well as for the small business owner and his home community. 

In his younger years, he was an avid sports and outdoorsman. He was a jack of all trades but not really a master of any. He had a deep belief that anything could be fixed on the spot if you had a few screws and some duct tape. For many years he played softball with the young guys, and at family and camp functions it was always Larry who was the man to beat in any event. A close friend described Larry as someone who never completely grew up, and we’re okay to remember that guy who loved to eat red licorice and peanut M&Ms and shoot bottle rockets right out of his hands even if it might be a little dangerous and earn him the moniker Crazy Larry. 

For now Larry has left behind his wife Myrna; his children Chris (Lisa) Howes, Carrie (Chris) Huston, Michael Howes, Dan Howes, and Courtney (Chris) Cox; and his precious grandchildren Molly, Sophie, Beau, Abby, Elijah, Zoe, Raymie, and Leo. Granddaughter Kyler Josephine met him in heaven. He is also survived by his sister Becky. 

A celebration of Larry’s life will be at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 5925 Oberly Loop NW, Walker, Minnesota 56484, on Friday, June 23rd at 1:00 PM with fellowship and refreshments following. 

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please remember Larry by giving your support to Mandatory Fun Outdoors, an organization that honors veterans, conserves the environment, and spreads the Gospel of Christ (https://mandatoryfunoutdoors.org), and buy your kids and grandkids some doughnuts. 

Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, Minnesota. 

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