Howard Unruh of West St. Paul passed away peacefully on Saturday January 24th at the age of 91 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Howard (Howie) lived his entire life in West St. Paul. He attended Henry Sibley High School where he met his sweetheart and the love of his life, Nancy Johnson. He loved playing basketball and being cheered on by his favorite cheerleader, Nancy.

Both his parents died by the time he was 15, and he moved in with his sister. He left school during his senior year to work full-time at Sibley High School to support himself. He worked for the school district for over 40 years, advancing himself to ISD 197 Grounds Manager. In the early years, he worked a second, and sometimes third job to support his family. He didn't have an easy life but never complained. He always spoke about how lucky he was to have his wonderful wife and kids and to be able to travel all over the US in their travel homes.

Howard and Nancy were together for over 75 years and would have celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary in March. They built a home together in West St Paul and share two children, Karen and Chuck. Howard and Nancy loved camping, fishing, and traveling as a family, and later spending time at Karen's Happy Place (cabin) in Wisconsin. During his downtime, Howard was passionate about watching car racing and westerns on TV - - especially John Wayne!

He was the very proud Grandpa of Brian, Amanda and Michael, and enjoyed attending their many band concerts, basketball/soccer games, piano recitals, tennis matches, track meets and cross-country meets. The grandkids were so fortunate to start their school days at Grandpa and Grandma's house with home cooked breakfasts (they loved his homemade pancakes), an avid audience as they practiced their band instruments, and chauffer service to their schools and daycare. Howard was equally smitten with his 4 great-grandchildren - they brought him so much joy.

Howard is survived by his wife Nancy; children Karen Unruh; Chuck Unruh (Mary Kay), grandchildren Brian Unruh (Mettine), Amanda Bocchi (Andrew) and Michael (Jennifer); and great-grandchildren Oliver, Ezra and Aristotle Bocchi (parents Amanda & Andrew Bocchi), and Keira Unruh (parents Michael & Jenny Unruh).

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Herman Unruh and Emma (Weierke) Unruh; Brother Willmer (Evelyn) Unruh and Sister Violet (Richard) Johnson.

A devoted husband and loving father/grandfather, Howard was the cornerstone of our family. His kindness, generosity, and quiet strength will remain forever in our hearts. He taught us the value of hard work, integrity, and unconditional love. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched.