Died Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at Dunklau Gardens in Fremont.
Wes was born January 20, 1922 on a ranch near Chambers, Nebraska, the youngest child of homesteaders Jacob and Pearl (Brenneman) Howe. He attended rural schools in Garfield and Holt Counties, and after his father's death in 1941, he and his mother and a sister operated the ranch. Wes enlisted in the U.S. Army and served February 17, 1943 to December 19, 1945, being honorably discharged as a T5 Corporal at the end of World War II. He was in the 2079th Quartermaster Truck Company, attached to the 5th Air Force, supplying gas, ammunition and bombs. He served in Australia, New Guinea, Morati, Philippines, Ie Shima, Okinawa and Japan. Decorations earned were: Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with three bronze stars, Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge, Army of Occupation Medal with Japan Clasp and World War II Victory Medal. He further served on inactive duty December 19, 1945 to December 18, 1948. After the war, Wes came to Fremont and worked as an autobody technician for Adams Motor Company, Nick Neff Motor Company, and Diers Motor Company before going into partnership in Fremont Body & Frame. He owned the business for 32 years and retired in 1997.
Wes married Katheryn Wood of rural Ewing, Nebraska on October 10, 1948, and they lived in Fremont their entire married life of nearly 68 years. Wes was an active member of First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and usher. He was also an active member of Fremont Rod & Gun Club where he served as caretaker for 19 years and a member of American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 854.
Wes was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, two sisters, wife Katheryn and son Charles.
Survivors include daughters Peggy (Vance) Wolverton of Omaha and Mary Jo Howe of Valley Village, California, brother-in-law Dale (Janice) Wood of Ewing, Nebraska, three generations of nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
The funeral service will be 2pm, Monday, July 10, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Fremont. The lunch will be served prior to the service beginning at 12:30pm in the fellowship hall of the church, all are welcome to join the family. Visitation will precede the service at the church also beginning at 12:30pm in the sanctuary, continuing until time of service. Burial with full military honors will follow at Ridge Cemetery. Memorials to
First Baptist Church.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Diane Hanen Burke
Bonesteel, SD Wednesday, July 12, 2023 Mary Jo,, so sorry for the loss of your dad. I know mom will really miss him as a neighbor. Prayers to you all.Bruce Linafelter
Loveland, CO Saturday, July 8, 2023 I was reading the obits from the Norfolk paper and saw of Harley Schrieber’s passing. When I clicked to send his family a note I saw you of dad’s passing. Please accept our condolences. Through the years you spoke of him and his very full life. Still, it is tough to loose your dad. Take care and we will see you this fall at homecoming.Bruce Linafelter
Loveland, CO Saturday, July 8, 2023 I was reading the obits from the Norfolk paper and saw of Harley Schrieber’s passing. When I clicked to send his family a note I saw you of dad’s passing. You have the same smile as your dad! Please accept our condolences. Through the years you spoke of him and his very full life. Still, it is tough to loose your dad. Take care and we will see you this fall at homecoming.Brenda Brimmerman
Saint Paul, MN Saturday, July 8, 2023 My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I remember Mr. Howe while attending First Baptist Church.Brenda Brimmerman
Daughter of Gary and Esther Brimmerman
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Di Smalley
Shawnee, OK Thursday, July 6, 2023 Wes was our neighbor and his daughter Peggy is one of my dearest friends. Funny how as a child you don’t fully appreciate the people around you. I knew Wes had been a soldier - but didn’t really appreciate the magnitude of that sacrifice as he fought along his brothers in WWII to ensure our freedom. I knew Wes was a good businessman who ran a successful business - but I didn’t really appreciate how complex accomplishing that is until I was in that position myself years later. Knew he was a good and dedicated husband and father - but I didn’t really appreciate the sacrifices accomplishing that took ( like driving three giggling middle school girls home for lunch every single day for four years 😊). I should have shown more appreciation for the great man Wes is, but then Wes would have just nodded in his quiet way and continued smoking his cigar. God bless him and know my prayers and thought are with you all as we celebrate a great life well lived.