Pearl Katharine Howard

Funeral services for Pearl Katharine Howard will be held Wednesday, February 23rd, 10:30 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt with Reverend Charles Bulger officiating. Burial will be at the Odebolt Cemetery under the direction of the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home.

Visitation is Tuesday, February 22nd, 4:00-8:00 pm, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Odebolt.

Pearl Katharine (Hoefling) Howard, age 98, of Odebolt, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2005, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove.

Pearl was born February 6, 1907, to Conrad and Katharine Anna (Messer) Hoefling in Odebolt, Iowa. She grew up on a farm just North of the town of Odebolt, attended the Odebolt Public School and graduated from High School in May of 1925. After graduating she stayed at home to help her parents on the farm. She was married to Harry E. Howard on January 18, 1937. They were blessed with two children: James and Arlene. Pearl and Harry then purchased their own farm North of Odebolt where this family resided until Pearl and Harry retired in January of 1970. They then moved to town. Harry passed away July 22, 1971. Pearl continued being an active member of the Odebolt community the rest of her life.

Pearl was baptized March 20, 1907, at the Salem Reformed Church in rural Odebolt and was a member of that church until she transferred to First Presbyterian Church in Odebolt in 1945 where she was a member. She was a Deacon of the church for three years, a member of P.W., and the Martha Guild. She was also a member of Ises Club, a Birthday Club, and a volunteer at Colonial Manor Nursing Home for several years.

Pearl was proud of being one of the oldest living graduates of Odebolt High School and also the community. Reaching the age of 98 and still living independently in her own home was a proud accomplishment. She continued enjoying visiting with friends and family and recalling memories of her lifetime.

She was a devoted wife to her beloved Harry. Raising her children, seeing them educated and being a viable presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest joys. She loved all children and they in turn loved her.

Many people were recipients of her talents with quilts and sewing crafts.

Survivors include her children: James Howard and his wife Jessie of Casper, Wyoming and Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Arlene Lange and her husband Richard of Marshalltown, Iowa; three grandchildren: Shawn Lange and his wife Mary of Creston, IA, Damon Lange and his wife Joy of Ft. Morgan, CO, Cassady Hoff and her husband Kevin of Casper, WY; four great-grandchildren: Rachel, Emily and Nathan Lange of Creston, and Rogen Howard Hoff of Casper, WY; two step great-grandchildren: Micaela and Kiera Huss of Creston; sisters-in-law: Phyllis Hoefling and Mary Johnson both of Odebolt; brother-in-law Raymond Glaser of Owensville, MO; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harry; infant great-grandson, Spencer Lange; brothers: Millard, Earl, Harold, and Leonard; and sisters: Esther and Lucille.