Gary "Dink" Dean Howard

Gary “Dink” Dean Howard, 69, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after battling severe COPD and congestive heart failure. A funeral service will be held Monday, November 9, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation 1 hour prior at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Born on March 26, 1957, in Sioux City, Iowa, Gary was one of nine children born to Vern and Myrna Howard. He grew up surrounded by family and began building lifelong friendships and memories that would become such an important part of his life. Gary was confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church, where he also played softball and sang in the youth church choir. He attended Everett Elementary, Emerson Elementary, West Middle School, West High School, and Ellsworth College. Standing an impressive 6 feet 11 inches tall, Gary was a natural athlete who excelled in basketball at West High School and Ellsworth College. His athletic talent and determination were especially evident on the basketball court, where his rebounding record at West High remained unbroken for more than 20 years. He also enjoyed baseball, bowling, darts, and shooting pool.

Throughout his working years, Gary held positions at Piggly Wiggly, Erickson Construction, Bennett Construction, Wonder Bread, Metz Bakery, and Steck’s Bakery. He was a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family. Family was the center of Gary's world. From his first marriage to Becky came three children, Zachary, Caleb, and Whitney, who were among his greatest blessings. Through his marriage to Laura, he also gained two bonus children, Charise and Chad, whom he loved as family.

One of Gary's greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports and other activities. He was always their biggest supporter, offering encouragement and positive feedback. Even when declining health prevented him from attending games and events in person, his children made sure he could watch through live streams. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on and was incredibly proud of each of their accomplishments. Gary had a deep love for the outdoors, especially catfishing from a boat on the river and hunting deer and pheasants. Some of his most treasured memories were made alongside his children, brothers, nephews, nieces, and dear friends Bill, Keith, Rick, and Roger.

One of the highlights of Gary's year was the annual August Red River fishing trip. It was a tradition he looked forward to with great anticipation, bringing together his sons, brothers, nephews, and friends for fishing, fellowship, laughter, and memories that will be cherished for generations. Those trips were about much more than catching fish; they were about the people he loved and the time they spent together.

Gary's legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the stories that will continue to be told, and the countless memories made along the way. Whether on the basketball court, in a fishing boat, out hunting, or cheering from the sidelines, Gary found happiness in the people and activities that meant the most to him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Laura; his children, Zachary (Kayla) Howard of Omaha, NE; Caleb (Brittanie) Howard of Omaha, NE; and Whitney (Zeb) Husted of Lincoln, NE; and his bonus children, Charise (Cory) Godden of Sioux City, IA, and Chad Klink of Sioux City, IA.

He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis (Sharon) Howard of Correctionville, IA; Debra (Frank) Kincaid of Catoosa, OK; Marlo (Connie Scheer) Howard of Mapleton, IA; Marlin “Bob” (Claudyne) Howard of Sioux City, IA; and Delvin (Lonnel) Howard of Sioux City, IA.

Additional survivors include his brother-in-law, Richard Goeden of Nampa, Idaho; brother-in-law, Steve McLagan of Wayne, Nebraska; mother-in-law, Roberta Vanderlinden; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Lori) Vanderlinden and Brian Vanderlinden; and his beloved grandchildren and bonus grandchildren:

Easton and Isla Howard; Kimberlyn, Stassi, and Eva Howard; Bennett, Bristol, Brooks, and Baylor Husted; Candace and Caylee Klink; and Autum and James Godden.

He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and his loyal companion, Buddy, who was always by his side.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Myrna Howard; sisters, Jean Bickford, Gail Goeden, and Teri McLagan; brother-in-law, Rick Bickford; sister-in-law, Joyce Howard; nephew, Jacob Howard; father-in-law, Gary Vanderlinden; and sister-in-law, Kat Vanderlinden.

In honor of Gary, we will be wearing flannel shirts. A fitting tribute to a man whose love for family, friends, fishing, hunting, and the simple joys of life will never be forgotten. So, grab your flannel, share a fishing story, tell a good hunting tale, and remember Gary with a smile. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the years, the laughter, the adventures, and the memories we were blessed to share with him. Rest easy, Gary. Save us a spot on the river. You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and never be forgotten.