Published: November 03, 2009 02:44 pm      

Mr. Howard A. Ehrler

DEWITT — Mr. Howard A. Ehrler, 85, DeWitt, died Saturday morning, October 31, 2009, at Genesis Medical Center, West Campus, Davenport.

He was born November 6, 1923, in Galena, Illinois, to William and Julia (Lehnhardt) Ehrler. Howard graduated from Galena High School in 1942. He began studying at the University of Dubuque when World War II broke out. Howard served in the Navy in both the Atlantic and Pacific. He returned to the University of Dubuque where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. Howard graduated with a double major in science and physical education. He lettered three years on the football team; and in 1942 was on the undefeated Spartan team. Howard studied summers at the University of Colorado and received a master’s degree in administration. He married the former Patricia Naney June 29, 1947, in Dubuque. Howard began teaching science and coaching for the DeWitt School District in 1948. Following 13 years of teaching he became assistant principal for four years and went on to become high school principal for Central Community Schools, DeWitt, for 25 years. He retired in 1989 following 41 years of service.

Howard was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeWitt. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, the DeWitt Noon Lions of which he had served as president, and the Central Community Schools Hall of Fame. Howard had also been involved in the DeWitt Charity Board, the United Way when it was in DeWitt, the Wapsi Valley Ikes and started the CROP Walk in DeWitt. He was a people person and was known and respected for knowing and understand the many students during his years in the school system and community. He loved to visit with people and spent many hours visiting at Westwing, delivering tapes to church shut-ins and delivering mobile meals. Howard loved to travel and attended 16 Elder hostels around the United States.

Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia; children, Richard Ehrler and his wife, Dianne, DeWitt, Margot Stender and her husband, Craig, Littleton, Colorado, Kristin Bruns and her husband, Mark, Arvada, Colorado, Melissa Hilliker, Cheynne, Wyoming; a daughter-in-law, Karla Ehrler, Davenport; grandchildren, Angela (Mike) Hofer, Eric (Cheryl) Ehrler, Cole Stender, Jesse Stender, MacKenzie Bruns, Chelsea Bruns; great-grandchildren, Logan and Reagan Hofer and Ezekiel Ehrler; sisters, Ruth Casper, Tucson, Arizona, and Doris Hanft, Galena; an AFS student daughter, Kristin Seyaeve, Brugge, Belgium.

Preceding Howard in death were sons, Stephen and Brian Ehrler; a son-in-law, Gerald Hilliker; brothers, Malcolm and Harold; and a sister, Orvilla Ehrler.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2009. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 5, 2009, in First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeWitt, with the Rev. Jeff Wartgow officiating. Burial and military rites will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Memorials may be made to the Church or STAR (Saber Team for Arts and Recreaton).

Grandchildren and their spouses will serve as pallbearers.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Death date: Oct. 31, 2009