Henry Herbert Howe Jr.

Henry Herbert Howe Jr, 82, of Grand Forks ND, passed away June 29th, 2024. He was born January 9th, 1942, in Washington DC to Herbert and Jane Howe.

Henry grew up in Arlington Virginia with his older sister Mary Jane. He had fond memories of spending summer weekends searching for fossils at Scientists Cliffs in Maryland and the annual road trips to Nebraska to visit the family farm. Later the family moved to Boulder, Colorado where Henry graduated from the University of Colorado. During college Henry was a member of the ROTC and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army upon graduation. While stationed in Texas, Henry protested the ongoing Vietnam conflict and despite the fact he was in civilian clothes, on leave, and at a peaceful public gathering he was court marshaled for this act of free speech. Inspired by this experience, Henry enrolled in law school and graduated from Golden Gate University in 1973. 

Henry read about the New School of Education at the University of North Dakota in a Readers Digest article in 1973. He moved to North Dakota believing there was a good education program for his two children, Oren and Deborah, and to take the bar exam for his license to practice law. After he was admitted to practice law, he moved to Valley City with his children and "hung out his shingle". In 1976, Henry married Mary Seaworth of Bismarck. He continued to practice law in Valley City and Grand Forks until moving to Minot to take the managing director position at the local Legal Services office. While in Minot, his youngest children Tavia and Christopher were born. The family moved to La Crosse, WI in 1979, where Henry continued working for Legal Services, but returned to North Dakota in 1980 so that Mary could attend Law School. Henry opened a solo law practice in Grand Forks and Mary joined him after her law school graduation in 1983. Henry continued to practice law until 2022. 

Henry was active at Holy Family Church serving on the school board for several years while his granddaughter was a student and helping with the chess club. He was a member of the Lions Club and always active in Democratic politics, both locally and statewide. All four of his children attended local and state conventions with him and his wife. He was passionate about exercising his right to vote and making sure that people were able to access the ballot. He served on local and state election boards for many years. If he wasn't ready yet, the presidential debate the previous night confirmed it was time to leave this earth. 

Henry loved to ride bicycles, whether it was to take one of his kids or grandkids for a ride or commute to his office. He favored his English made Raleigh Bicycles, but always kept a variety of bikes in working order in case anyone wanted to go for ride. Henry continued to ride into his 80s, despite opposition from his family and physician.

Henry is survived by his wife Mary Seaworth, children Oren (Tiffany) Howe, Deborah Gaudet, Tavia Howe, Chris (Caitlin) Howe; grandchildren Brandon, Dylan, Paige, Travis, Mallory, Lauren, Cooper; and dog Sasha. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Jane (Morris) Harvey and dogs Misty and Max.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 on Saturday, July 13th at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Forks. A private family burial will take place at Table Rock Cemetery in Table Rock, Nebraska at a later date.