Howard Melvin Ives

Howard entered into eternal rest on Saturday, March 25th at the age of 74. He was born at the Mayo Hospital on May 20th, 1948 to Hjalmer and Mabel Ives in Rochester, Minnesota. The family soon settled into Tioga, North Dakota where Howard grew up and lived for many years. His father was a farmer and his mother was a homemaker.  They were both active in the community.

Howard was a Boy Scout and attended Communion at the Zion Luthern Church as a child with his best friend of 70 years, Larry Heimdal. He worked at the local grocery store and gas station. He graduated from the Interior Design Program at the University of North Dakota in Williston in 1975.

While attending Tioga High School he met Marsha Montgomery.  He graduated in 1967 and they shortly married in 1970. They had a little girl named Melany Hope in 1972.

Howard became a farmer just as his father.  In 1984 he met a fellow farmer from Kenmare, North Dakota named Tom Bodmer. Howard harvested wheat and Tom harvested sunflowers. During the winter months they would travel with their camper down to Arizona to visit friends. They loved Phoenix so much they decided to become snowbirds and buy a condo and remodel it. Howard and Tom moved several times before finally setteling and retiring in Paradise Valley. They were heavily involved with the Lamda Car Club, driving old classic cars around town. Eventually the cars were starters in Rose Bowl Parade one year. They loved daily meals with their beloved friends at different locations throughout.  He was even called “Super Baby” at his favorite restaurant Feeny’s. They were finally married in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 8, 2014. They were together for 31 years until his death in 2015.

In 2022 he become a Great-Grandfather to Brynn.

Three years after Tom’s death Howard met Jeordy. They had four great years together. Jeordy was dedicated to taking care of Howard until his death. He died at his home peacefully with his family. Just the way he wanted.

Howard was a reserved man but also loved a good gathering with friends. He loved quiet time and enjoyed his daily naps. He liked to understand things thouroughly before making a decision and once he made his mind up, that was it. He was sensitive and sensitive to others. When talking with him, you had all of his attention. He never met a stranger and once you were friends, you were always a friend. He loved to travel to different towns and check out the antiques and art galleries, as well as museums. You could always catch him watching mystery shows and sitcoms, especially Golden Girls. He loved playing cards and always seemed to win every hand! He also enjoyed sewing and making jewelry. Most of all he loved to laugh.

Howard is preceeded in death by his parents Hjalmer and Mabel Ives, and husband Thomas Bodmer.

He is survived by his daughter Melany Reynolds and husband Barry, Granddaughter Brooke Atzenhoffer and Partner Jay Knoxon with Great-Granddaughter Brynn, Partner Jeordy Fritts, his best friend Larry Heimdal, The Bodmer Family, and many many long-time friends.

Howard will always be rememberd for his handsome smile, his contagious laugh, and bright blue eyes. He was truly a beautiful person inside and out.

A visitation for Howard will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 East Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022. A funeral service will occur Friday, April 7, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 2350 East Greenway Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022. A graveside service will occur Friday, April 7, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Paradise Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum, 9300 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.