John M. Howlett
Aug. 8, 1946 – Sept. 15, 2023
John Michael Howlett, 77, Martell, passed away Sept. 15, 2023, surrounded by his family. John was born Aug. 8, 1946, to Fred L. and Beulah (Formanek) Howlett at home in Crete.
John grew up in Dorchester and graduated in 1964 from Dorchester High School, where he lettered in three sports, played the baritone sax in the band and attended Cornhusker Boys State. Growing up, John followed the footsteps of his brothers and delivered the Lincoln newspaper. He also worked with his father at the produce station selling and delivering feed and picking up eggs, and, during the summers, worked for various farmers.
John graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Economics in 1968. While attending UNL, he worked for Security Mutual Life Insurance Company. Working nights in the computer processing department helped him pay for college. Upon graduation, he was offered a full time job at SML and attained the FLMI and CLU designations. He retired in 1989, as a second vice-president in charge of group life and health insurance. He was then able to devote his time to farming as well as work part time in accounting at National Crane and U.S. Property Management.
John married Joyce Ellen Bruha on Dec. 22, 1967, at the Dorchester Methodist Church while both were still in college. They bought their first home in the Meadowlane area of Lincoln. In 1971, while expecting their first child, they were pleasantly surprised with twin girls, Elizabeth and Christina. In the same year, they bought a farm near Martell and John started farming nights and weekends. Their third daughter, Jessie, was born in 1975.
The family moved to the farm in 1986. John would say his girls were a highlight and spent time attending their swim meets, volleyball games, tennis matches, piano recitals and horse shows. He enjoyed family card games of Pinochle, hunting, fishing, family trips to Minnesota and especially animals – always having a golden retriever at his side and cats following him around the farm. John taught himself how to play the guitar and loved singing folk songs for his daughters and grandchildren.
John survived treatment for esophageal cancer in 2019. The cancer returned in 2020 and John had a total laryngopharyngectomy. After recovering, John continued woodworking, including building crafts for his grandchildren, restoring antiques and doing projects around the farm.
John is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters, Liz (Mike) Tanji, Denver, Chris (Paul) Gossin, Ashland, and Jessie (Scott) Meinke, Martell; grandchildren, Natalie, Ethan, and Audrey Tanji, Tatum and Elliot Gossin, Christian (Sarah) Meinke, and Claire Meinke; great-granddaughter, Jacy Meinke; siblings, Wayne (Marsha) Howlett, Lincoln, Bill “Skeeter” (Janis) Howlett, Crete, and Ruth (Greg) Luedtke, Lincoln; in-laws, Shelly and Rose Bruha, Dorchester, Robin L. Malin, Brick New Jersey; many nieces and nephews; and faithful dog, Red.
John was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frederick “Fred” Howlett; grandparents, Fred D. Mary Elizabeth (Fouts) Howlett, and James W. and Mabel (Busselman) Formanek.
A Celebration of Life was Sept. 23 at the Crete Berean Church. The family held a private graveside service prior to the celebration at Centerville Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
