Howard E. Richardson

Howard Eugene Richardson was born on May 5, 1942, to Harold and Luretta Richardson on the family farm in Columbia, SD. 

He was the sixth of nine children and often liked to say, “I’m just a poor SD farm boy.” While the family may not have had much money, their home was filled with love, and Howard did his best to entertain and sometimes annoy those around him. 

He graduated from Columbia High School in 1960. In the fall of 1964, Howard met Gerry Voorhees at a street dance in Hecla, SD. After a whirlwind courtship of about three months, they married on February 21, 1964, beginning what would be a remarkable love story that lasted until Gerry’s unexpected death on May 8, 2022. 

By that time, Howard was already showing many signs of dementia, so the loss of his wife and the move to a nursing home were not entirely understandable to him, which hopefully meant he didn’t suffer as much as the rest of the family.

After Howard and Gerry married, they lived in Bath Corner, SD, where Howard worked for the Farmers Union gas station. When their daughter Sara was born, Howard had the opportunity to transfer to Fargo, ND, with Mobil Oil, so the young South Dakota family set out in a blizzard and began their next chapter. 

Howard worked hard to provide for his family, which eventually grew to include daughters Sally and Sonya, and son Scott. He went on to work for Quality Bakery and Otto Shine. In 1976, a new station was built at 32nd Ave N and Broadway in Fargo for Howard to manage, known as The General Store. 

He managed that store, which later became Mini Mart and Loaf & Jug, until his retirement. Howard became the face of the store, and there likely wasn’t a kid on the Northside who grew up in the 1980s or 1990s who didn’t know Howie, the friendly bearded guy.

Besides his family and work, Howard’s other passion was racing cars and drinking cold beer. He even raced with Old Milwaukee cans screwed on top of his car’s roof. Howard raced in SD, West Fargo, Lisbon, and Glyndon from the late 1960s until he finally gave it up completely in 2007. 

He always said he didn’t have the best or most expensive car, but he knew how to drive, and that was enough to keep the “hot dogs” behind him.

Howard’s most valued blessing was his family, and he will be deeply missed. He instilled in his loved ones the greatest gifts: honesty, hard work, kindness, and good humor. Whether known as Howard, Howie, King of the North, The Great White Hope, The Bearded Guy, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle, Friend, or just that funny guy, he made a lasting impact on everyone he met and was truly a treasure. Howard passed away with a smile on his face on January 15, 2026.

He is survived by his children: Sara (Andy) Mack of Buxton, ND; Sally Hamilton of Fargo, ND; Sonya Kiehl of Fargo, ND; and Scott (Carla) Richardson of Pelican Rapids, MN. 

He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Tony (Emily) Mack, Spencer (Camri) Mack, Danielle (Jamey) Glewwe, Tatiana (Joseph) Hackman, Caden Kiehl, Dustin Kiehl, Hannah Richardson, and Cale Richardson; and great-grandchildren: Reese, Blakely, Cayson, Easton, TJ, and Henry. Siblings Marilyn Hoops and Ruby Larson of Groton, SD, and John (Roslyn) Richardson of Aberdeen, SD, as well as many nieces and nephews, also survive him. Howard was preceded in death by his wife Gerry, his parents, and siblings Jim, David, Lila, Minerva, and Donna.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, with a Celebration of Life at 7:00 pm. 

The funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church in Fargo. 

A toast to Howard will take place at Labby’s in Fargo after the funeral—Feb. 21 would have been his 62nd wedding anniversary. 

Special thanks go to HIA Hospice and SMP-St Catherine’s South for their exceptional care of Howard. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the family of Howard at 410 29th Avenue N, Fargo, ND 58102, or to HIA Hospice. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home.