Howard Arnold Stechmann

Howard Arnold Stechmann, age 77, of Zumbrota, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family after spending a wonderful Memorial Day weekend with his family. Howard was born on April 10, 1936, in Red Wing, to Arnold and Lily (Borgschatz) Stechmann. On May 10, 1936 he was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota by Pastor Paul Horn. Howard's sponsors were Minnie Bredehoft and William Borgschatz. On April 2, 1950 he confirmed his faith at Christ Lutheran Church where he was a lifelong member. Howard graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1954. He joined the National Guard in 1953 and was honorably discharged in July of 1962. He was proud to serve when President Eisenhower dedicated the bridge over the Mississippi River in Red Wing. On September 9, 1961, he married Eileen Otto. As a team, they ran the family dairy farm, Edgewood Farm. Howard loved animals especially his cows, dogs, and cats. He made sure to give the cows a little extra feed on Christmas Eve, a tradition he learned from his father. Howard followed high school sports and the Minnesota Twins, and listened to many games on the radio, especially KDHL. His wit brightened the days of many, especially the doctors and nurses who cared for him during his illness. Howard loved a good game of cards and took pleasure in teasing his grandchildren and "stealing" their food from their plates.

Howard is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eileen; children, Jodi (Paul) Coady of Zumbrota, Jonathan (Kara) of Edina, Connie (Tom) Lebakken of Brooklyn, WI; seven grandchildren, Elissa and Benjamin Coady, Mya and Aaron Lebakken, Eva, Hank, and Kate Stechmann; sister, Marlys (Frank) Miller; brother-in-law, Millard Ripley; sister-in-law, Donna Otto; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Those who preceded Howard to eternal life are his parents; sisters, Lorraine (Reynold) Matthees, Renata Ripley, and JoAnn (Merlin) Lindhart.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Wayne Schoch officiating. Burial will be in the Zumbrota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Mahn Family Funeral Home - Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, and for one hour prior to the service at the church. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Visitation

MAY 30. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel
1475 Jefferson Drive
Zumbrota, MN 55992

Visitation

MAY 31. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)

Christ Lutheran Church
223 East Fifth Street
Zumbrota, MN

Service

MAY 31. 2:00 PM (CDT)

Christ Lutheran Church
223 East Fifth Street
Zumbrota, MN