Howard D. Schwensen

Howard D. Schwensen was born March 22, 1925 to Howard L. and Edith (Kaven) Schwensen at home in Minden, IA. At age 18, after high school in 1943, Howard was drafted into the army and served overseas in Europe in General Patton’s army until the war ended. Howard was wounded and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals. After his service in the army he attended Boyles College, Council Bluffs, IA, for two years. Howard worked with his dad in the construction business around the Minden area. Howard started his post office career out of Council Bluffs, IA, working on the train mail car from Council Bluffs to Chicago. He moved to Chicago where he worked and met his wife Irene E. Cichy. They were married Feb. 4, 1951 and lived in Council Bluffs, IA until moving to Arvada, CO in 1961, where he continued working for the post office until his retirement. They resided in Arvada, raising their three girls, Dianna (Darrell) Johnson, Arvada; Rene (Doug) Burton, Erie; and Sylvia (Harlan) Hagelstrom, Arvada. Howard enjoyed his children and grandchildren, daily visits to the Arvada Elks Lodge, working in his yard, keeping all his cars looking shiny and running great, bowling, dancing, visits to the casino, drinking a cold beer, and his family getting together. He was a quiet man, who seemed to always enjoy a good laugh or to share a story from his past. Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Irene; his dad and mom, Howard and Edith Schwensen; and brother Kenneth Schwensen, Minden, IA. He is survived by his daughters Dianna, Rene, and Sylvia; grandchildren Heidi, Kansas; Jason (Jenny), Minnesota; Josh (Steph), North Dakota; Brandi, Washington; Kevin, California; and numerous great grandchildren; sister Jacqueline (Earl) Williams, Hancock, IA; sister-in-law Fran (Ed) Craemer, Auburn, CA. Services will be held in the spring.