Howard Joseph Thraen

December 25, 1938 ~ September 15, 2013

VISITATION DETAILS

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

1:00 – 9:00 PM

Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home

Harlan, IA

The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

A Wake Service will be held at 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

SERVICE DETAILS

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

11:00 AM

St. Michael’s Catholic Church

Harlan, IA

Burial will be in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA

SURVIVORS

Wife – Carole Thraen of Harlan, IA

2 Daughters – Prudy Kloewer of Harlan, IA

Stephanie (Toby) Paul of Omaha, NE

3 Brothers – Marvin (Joyce) Thraen of Harlan, IA

Kenneth (Donna) Thraen of Henderson, NV

Gary (Julie) Thraen of Harlan, IA

2 Grandchildren – Matt Kloewer of Harlan, IA

Justina Kloewer of Harlan, IA

Other Relatives & Friends

Howard Joseph Thraen, son of Andrew and Mary (Schleimer) Thraen, was born on December 25, 1938, in Harlan, Iowa. He grew up in the Irwin, Portsmouth, and Kirkman, Iowa, areas, and graduated from Irwin-Kirkman High School in 1957. He began working for Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company (FMCTC) in Harlan, and then enlisted in the United States Army. Following two years of military service in Fontainebleau, France, he continued his work at FMCTC. On May 15, 1965, Howard married Carole Jean Grabill at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, and the couple made their home in Harlan. Howard worked at FMCTC for 41 years.

Howard was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan and a member of the AMVETS in Kimballton, Iowa. He enjoyed rebuilding Chevy cars, showing his rebuilt cars, and driving them in parades. He also liked to watch auto racing. Howard liked traveling and spending time camping with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed farming with his brother, Gary, for several years. Howard managed Stephanie’s bands; they affectionately called him “The Colonel” because he was an Elvis fan. He also enjoyed cheering Prudy on when she played Harlan High School softball.

Howard J. Thraen died on Sunday, September 15, 2013, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having reached the age of 74 years, 8 months, and 21 days.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole Thraen of Harlan, Iowa; two daughters, Prudy Kloewer of Harlan, Iowa, and Stephanie (Toby) Paul of Omaha, Nebraska; three brothers, Marvin (Joyce) Thraen of Harlan, Iowa, Kenneth (Donna) Thraen of Henderson, Nevada, and Gary (Julie) Thraen of Harlan, Iowa; two grandchildren, Matt Kloewer and Justina Kloewer, both of Harlan, Iowa; and other relatives and friends.

A wake service was held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, with Father John Frost celebrating. Kate Kohorst and Maryalyce Dotzler served as musicians. Casket bearers were Ron Miller, Jason Thraen, Jerry Gross, Verle Doonan, Ron Mathiasen, Hilton Claussen, Denise Lickteig, and Emmert Andersen. Burial will be in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.burmeisterjohannsen.com.