Howard Tormanen

Howard was born in Lake Norden, South Dakota on October 18, 1933 to Arvid and Alma (Sarkinen) Tormanen. He died at the age of 85 on September 11 of 2019. His last residence was Diamond Willow Assisted Living facility in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

Howard grew up on a small farm in South Dakota and graduated from Lake Norden High School in 1952. He cherished the Lake Norden area and the memories he made there for the rest of his life.

After graduating, Howard joined the Air Force and received his training in Biloxi, Mississippi and was later stationed in Guam.

Howard met and married Janyce Gayle Northburg and together they had 14 children. They moved to many different places through the years but eventually settled in Menahga, Minnesota - after first living in Washington, South Dakota and Cass Lake, Minnesota.

Howard had many hobbies that he enjoyed through the years. He loved the beauty of nature and being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, birdwatching, gardening, puzzles of all kinds and he absolutely loved books and reading. 

Howard had a tremendous affection for baseball and one of his favorite past times was recalling the old days when he would play baseball as a child with his brothers. His favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals and he loved to reminisce about the star players of their past. 

Those who knew him can remember how he would work all summer long cutting wood in preparation for winter and then shoveling all winter long, the endless snow that fell in north central Minnesota.

Howard leaves behind his 14 children; Virginia, Keith (Jennifer), Vicki, Kent, Karl (Heather), Valerie (Ronnie), Kirk (Apryl), Kevin, Vanita (Karlen), Kurtis, Vonne (Joda), Veronica (Josh), Vanessa (Craig) and Kasey.

In addition; 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents- Arvid and Alma, two sisters – Marvel (Calvin) Hutt and Vivian Tormanen, three brothers – Emery (Marilyn), Arnold (Betty) and Roger Tormanen; brother-in-law, Roger Nelson; sisters-in-law: Gladys and Cindy. 

He is survived by his wife Janyce, and sisters – Vera (Don) Tikka and Viola, brothers – Harlan (Joy), Jerry (Debbie) and James (Sue), sister-in-law Bessie and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services for Howard will be held at a later date in Washington.

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