Howard Cronquist

Howard Cronquist, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his cherished family. Born on December 11, 1941, in Brainerd, Minnesota, Howard lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service. Howard was the beloved son of Harold and Esther Cronquist. He grew up in Brainerd, a place he always called home, and where he would later start his own family. Howard was preceded in death by his dear sister, Nancy Dambowy, with whom he shared a close bond throughout their lives. In 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they built a beautiful life over 62 years of marriage, filled with laughter, warmth, and shared dreams. They raised two wonderful sons, Brent and Darren, who, along with their wives Brenda and Lori, blessed Howard and Sharon with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Howard's family was his pride and joy, and he took immense pleasure in watching them grow and thrive. A proud veteran, Howard served his country honorably in the Army. After his service, he dedicated over five decades of his life to driving buses, a job that allowed him to connect with people and share his gentle kindness. Howard retired in 2000 from Potlach after a commendable 34-year career. His colleagues remember him not only for his work ethic but for his unwavering integrity and compassionate spirit. Howard's passions extended beyond his professional life. He was an active member of the Model T Club, where he delighted in the camaraderie and the joy of restoring and driving classic cars. He was also an enthusiastic participant in the color guard, a reflection of his enduring patriotism and commitment to honoring his fellow veterans. Additionally, Howard had a deep love for farming, finding peace and satisfaction in working the land. A service to celebrate Howard's remarkable life will be held on November 6, 2026, at Riverside Union Church, 3435 County Road 45, Brainerd. Family, friends, and all whose lives Howard touched are invited to attend and share in the memories of a man who gave so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Howard's memory to the American Legion Post 255, with a memo for the Color Guard, or to the Babinski Foundation. These organizations were close to Howard's heart and reflect his lifelong dedication to service and community. Howard Cronquist's legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His gentle spirit and kind heart will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.