Olson Funeral & Cremation Service
Howard "Howie" Clifford of Stanchfield passed away at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on December 1, 2024 at the age of 57.
Howard Arthur Clifford was born at the Rush City Hospital on September 8, 1967 to Francis "Crowbar" and Lois (Redmond) Clifford. He was the seventh and last child.
As a child Howie always liked being outside and in the woods. He always liked helping his dad tinker on snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and whatever else needed fixing. He did a lot of bike riding with his brother Scott in the summer and they like to go sledding on the big hill in the winter. He was always outside doing something as he always loved being outdoors.
When he was in high school he met Elaine. They got married and had three amazing boys. Their marriage didn't work out but that didn't stop them from raising the boys who turned out to be great men, and now great fathers.
After a few years he met Michelle and they had a daughter. He helped raise her into the wonderful woman she is today and the mother she will become in just a few short weeks.
Howie met Torri in 2003, and they were married in 2005 and moved out to the country with the boys. Their relationship had its ups and downs but in the end they knew they were meant to be together forever.
Howie worked at Royal Concrete in Stacy, MN for 25 years and was in management for several of those. He was a great manager and was always there for his people, to answer questions or to teach them whatever it was that was needed for them to succeed. He always wanted people to succeed and do the best they could. He did all he could to make that happen. Even after he left Royal he stayed in management in the pre-cast business.
Howe's love of the outdoors really rubbed off on his children who have now passed it on to their children. Howie liked messing around with his Mud Trucks, wheelers, sleds, and even go-carts. What he really liked was how it brought his friends and family together so he could hang out with them, and he did that as often as he could.
Howie's work ethic was matched by no other. He worked hard, played hard, and loved his family like no other.
He was diagnosed with ALS in August of 2023 and unfortunately the Clifford family is all too familiar with this disease as it is very prominent on their maternal side of the family.
He didn't let it stop his humor from shining through, and he fought like no one else against this nasty disease. He lost his battle on December 1st at Abbott Northwestern Hospital with Torri by his side.
Howie is survived by his life partner Torri Mell of Stanchfield; children Willy (Char) Clifford, Stephen Clifford (Amy Urman), Kevin (Amber) Clifford all of Harris, Tessa (Cody) Torkelson of North Branch; grandchildren Owen, Layne, Jemi, Nora, Case, Logen, Danny and soon-to-be Henry; siblings Janie (Jay) Corrier of Rush City, Susan (Stephen) Saine of Montevideo, Scott Clifford of North Branch; many nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Francis "Bud" or "Crowbar" and Lois Clifford; sister Lynn Edmonds; brothers Bruce Clifford and Harold Clifford; nephews Scott Clifford Jr. and Jesse Clifford; sister-in-law Vonnie Clifford.
A gathering of family and friends to remember Howie's life will be held 4:00-8:00 PM; Friday, December 13, 2024 at the Olson Funeral Chapel of Rush City.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com
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