1SG (Ret) Howard Peter Feldmeier

Howard Peter Feldmeier (84) took his final breaths on earth surrounded by love on the evening of Monday, November 25th in his Swedeborg home that he shared with his devoted wife, Ruth, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia. Howard fought the good fight and ran hot (literally and figuratively) until the very end. He took two final peaceful breaths, then pulled his signature “Well goodnight folks, I’m headed to bed” and went joyfully into that eternal night’s rest after a life truly well lived. Howard was born in his home in Hokah, Minnesota to his parents, Rose and Peter Feldmeier, on November 9th, 1940. He was the baby of the family with four older siblings: James (Jim), Joseph (Joe), William (Bill), and Kathleen (Kate). As a child, he attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where he was baptized, had his first communion, and served as an altar boy. He also attended school at St. Peter’s where he could routinely be found serving detention doled out by the nuns. However, Howard was always busy and on the go from a young age, so you could find him sneaking out the classroom window during detention and heading up the hill to go home. That “always on the move mentality” transferred into his lifelong work ethic. As a young boy, he used to hitchhike a ride to a nearby town to pick apples at a local orchard. He joined the United States Army at the age of 17 and dedicated 24 years of his life to his country, including a tour in Vietnam. He retired in 1982 as a Combat Engineer First Sergeant, 1SG. He held various other positions and jobs, but his favorite title was a family man. He was joined in marriage to his soulmate, Ruth, on December 8th, 1962. One year minus a day later, they welcomed their first child, Tammy, and then a second child, Michael, soon after. During the years as a family, military service took them to Georgia, North Carolina, Germany, Hawaii, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO, where they chose to retire. Howard and Ruth bought land in Swedeborg and made it their home for the last 52 years. He built every structure on their land, except their house, which he completely remodeled. Howard and his family enjoyed showing Missouri fox trotting horses and walking horses and won many ribbons and trophies over the years. He also excelled in creating things and built 14 horse-drawn wagons. Howard enjoyed raising and training horses and mules. He routinely went on wagon rides with his wife, children, and grandchildren over the years. As a member of the West Plains Wagon Train Club, he held annual wagon train rides at his farm every Memorial Day weekend for eight years. Howard loved nothing more than being a husband, dad, uncle, and grandpa to his seven grandchildren (Justin, Amanda, Nathan, Jessica, Kellie, Cassandra, and Stephanie), nine great-grandchildren (Heidi, Kent, Chloe, Clair, Katy, Kenzie, Dakotah, Grayson, and Adelyn) and many other kids who viewed him as their adopted grandpa. His favorite pastime was attending all of his grandchildren’s sporting events, no matter how close or far away they were. He could always be found in the stands cheering them on. Howard is survived by his wife Ruth of Swedeborg; his daughter Tammy (Tom) of Richland; his son Michael of Lebanon; grandchildren Justin (Heather) of Springfield, Nathan (Loren) of Joplin, Cassandra (Sam) of Clewiston, Florida, Stephanie (Willie) of Waynesville; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his granddaughters, Amanda, Jessica, and Kellie Murray. Howard was born into a loving home, created a loving home, and was cared for with unconditional love these last few years by his wife Ruth and daughter Tammy. We know that as he entered those pearly gates, he was met with love and some long over due hellos. We take comfort in knowing that his granddaughters were the first ones to greet him. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Howard to the Assistance Association Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Leonard Wood and can be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland. Funeral mass was held at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in St. Jude Catholic Church of Richland, Missouri with Father Michael Murphy officiating. Congregational music included, “We Gather Together,” “One Bread One Body,” “On Eagles Wings,” and “Be Not Afraid.” Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery , Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of 1SG (Ret) Howard Feldmeier and may be left at Memorial Chapel of Richland. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com

1SG (Ret) Howard Peter Feldmeier

November 9, 1940 - November 25, 2024