WASHINGTON…Howard M. Uphoff, 84, passed away peacefully at 4:35 a.m., Monday, March 1, 2010 at his home in Washington with his family by his side.
Howard was born in Rutland, Illinois on October 20, 1925 to Benjamin and Fern Alma Lynch Uphoff. He was one of seven children; his siblings preceded him in death.
Howard graduated from Rutland High School in 1943. He served in the U. S. Navy in the Pacific Theatre during WWII as a radio operator.
On November 6, 1949, on what he considered the best day of his life, Howard married Donna Smith in Wenona, Illinois. They have four children: Kevin (Alma) Uphoff of Escondido, CA; Dirk (Helen) Uphoff of Peoria, AZ; Lisa Uphoff of Peoria, IL and Penny Zimmerman of Washington. Howard also has 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Howard was a charter member of Rutland Post 1121, American Legion. He also was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where he ushered for more than 40 years.
For over 38 years, Howard was proud to work at Caterpillar. He retired in 1983, last working at the Morton parts facility.
Everyone who knew Howard knew that he was a Cubs fan. His neighbors delighted in decorating his home and yard with St. Louis Cardinal’s memorabilia. Howard spent most of his free time doing what he loved most, hunting and fishing.
Funeral services for Howard will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington with Pastor John Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and one hour prior to services in the family life center of St. Mark’s. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Rutland American Legion.
Memorials may be made to the St. Mark’s Parish Nurse program.
Online condolences may be made at www.masonfuneralhomes.com