Rev. Russell Howard Howen

The Reverend Russell Howard Howen, formerly of Minden, Nevada, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the age 90, in Fort Wayne, Indiana with family at his side. Born June 7, 1932 in Grand Forks, North Dakota to the late Howard George and Adela Anna (nee...Plantiko) Howen. A sister and brother in-law, Donna Marie (James) Dickson also preceded him in death.

He was married to Miriam Anita Mikula on August 4, 1956 in Traverse City, Michigan and she departed this life on April 28, 1994. To that union a daughter was born, Rebekah Sharlene. Later in life he meet Cecile Lorraine Michaud Desorcy of Huntington Beach, California and they were united in Holy matrimony on December 29, 2001 and she was called to eternal rest on November 10, 2021.

Russell's journey and service to God and his fellow man as he wrote it is as follows:

Eagle Scout - February 1947

Education - Graduated from Concordia Academy, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1950

A.A. from Concordia College, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1952

Graduated from Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri, 1957

Post Graduate Work at Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri

Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California

Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California

Vicared at Heart River Scout Camp (Chaplain), Taylor, North Dakota - Summer, 1953

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey - Summer, 1954

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Columbus, Nebraska - 1955-56

Ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church, Morrill, Nebraska July 21, 1957 by the Rev. A. H. Guettler

Parishes: Trinity Lutheran Church, Morrill, Nebraska - 1957-1962

Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Norfolk, Nebraska - 1962-1966

Christ Lutheran Church, Martinez, California - 1966-1997

Benicia Lutheran Church, Benicia, California - 1976-1981 (developed and organized)

Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville, Nevada - Interim 2000-2001

Offices held - Lutheran Women's Missionary League, California-Nevada-Hawaii

District Pastoral Counselor- 1975 -1981

Nebraska District Walther League Pastoral Advisor -1960 -1966

Northern Nebraska District Director Ambassadors for Christ -1964 -1966

Northern Nebraska District Youth Committee - 1959 -1966

Northern Nebraska District Evangelism Committee Chairman - 1965-1966

Northern Nebraska District Circuit 9 Circuit Counselor - 1958-1962

Circuit Public Relations Chairman - 1958-1960 and 1970-1976

Zone Counselor for Lutheran Women's Missionary League, Walther League,

and Lutheran Laymen's League (various years)

Member of the Sierra-Pacific Federation Council of Aid Association for Lutherans- 1982-

1998 President 1986 -1988, 1989 -1992

Volunteer Training Specialist Aid Association for Lutherans - 1998-

Protestant Chaplain - John F. Kennedy University, Martinez, California - 1968 - 1975

Producer- Christ Lutheran Church Television- 1983 -1997

Vacancy Pastor- Northern Nevada 2001-2019

Community Programs: Wrote weekly columns for the Morrill Mail, 1957-1962

"The Poet's Corner" and "Minute Meditation"

Martinez Lions Club— 1968— Secretary 1989-1997

Lions Blind Center of Diablo Valley Board of Directors — 1968-1973

President of the Board — 1972-1973

Protestant Committee of Scouting, Contra Costa County (8 years)

Suicide Prevention (7 years)

Martinez Recreation and Park Commission — 1972-1983

General Chairman Lutheran Day at the Oakland Athletics — 1983-2000

To cherish and forever hold dear the memories of Russell and continue his legacy are his,

Daughter: Rebekah Sharlene (Robert Ernst) Kartman

Grandchildren: Alexander (Allison) Kartman, Eric (Mary) Kartman,

Hillary (Wyatt) Larkin and Madelyn Kartman

Great-Grandchildren: Flynn Kartman, Jocelyn Kartman, Myles Larkin, Josiah Kartman,

Charles Kartman, Maria Kartman and Claire Kartman

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.” (2 Tim. 4:7 - 8.)

May we so live to enjoy that day when the Lord may say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21.)

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Rev. Russell Howard Howen will be held 11:00 AM PST Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran Church 1480 Douglas Avenue, Gardnerville, Nevada 89410

Preferred Memorials are to: Trinity Lutheran Church - Gardnerville, Nevada

or to Sierra Lutheran High School -

3601 Romans Rd, Carson City, Nevada 89705

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Howen family.