Wendell (Wendy) K. Howell, 96, of Amery, Wisconsin and Tavares, Florida, died peacefully on November 3, 2021, at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in Minneapolis.

Wendell was born March 15, 1925, in Boca Grande, Florida to Violet (Grandy) Howell and Samuel Howell.

He was predeceased by his wife Jean Carol (Carson) Howell and children Wendell Howell, Jr., Michael James Howell, Dale Jeffery Howell, and Carol Jean (Howell) Hampton, brother, Elmer J. Howell, and sister Jeanne Howell.

He is survived by his sister, Marge Shambeau of Waupaca, Wisconsin; children Violet Irminger, Mt Dora, Florida, Laura Lee Boncada, Salt Lake City, Utah, Steve Howell, Amery, Wisconsin; ten grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.

Wendell joined the U.S. Army Air Corps—later renamed the U.S. Air Force—after graduating High School in New London, Wisconsin. Always fascinated with flight, he soon qualified to become an accomplished pilot. After leaving the Air Force, Wendell became a Co-Pilot with North Central Airlines in Minneapolis, taking a brief leave of absence to fly for Mackey Airlines in Florida. Captain Howell’s career continued with North Central Airlines until 1979 when the company purchased Southern Airlines and was renamed Republic Airlines. Shortly after his retirement from Republic the airline merged with Northwest Orient. When he wasn’t flying, Wendell enjoyed spending time with family. His hobbies included hunting, boating, and playing his guitar or mandolin. Growing up in a musical family, music was part of his DNA. Even though he could read music, he preferred to play by ear. Whenever the Howell siblings gathered, you can be sure music was involved. While based in Detroit, Wendell became involved with the Huron Valley Conservation Association in Belleville, Michigan, later becoming its’ president. Years later he said he was “proud of the work he did during his time at the conservation club”. Also, while based in Detroit, he held the prestigious position as the ALPA’s (Air Line Pilots Association) Air Safety chairman, a position that afforded him the opportunity to make some significant changes relating to air safety.

The date and time to celebrate Wendell’s life is yet to be determined.

Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.

Last Update: Nov 09, 2021 1:14 pm CST