Howard Cronquist, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 29, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on December 11, 1941, in Brainerd, Minnesota,
A service to celebrate Howard's life will be held at 11:00 am on November 6, 2026 at Riverside Union Church, 3435 County Road 45, Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and stay for lunch to follow. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
Howard was the son of Harold and Esther Cronquist. He grew up in Brainerd, a place he always called home, and where he would later start his own family. Howard was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Dambowy.
In 1964, Howard married the love of his life, Sharon. Together, they built a beautiful life over 61 years of marriage, filled with laughter and many memories. They raised two sons, Brent (Brenda) and Darren (Lori) and was blessed with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A proud veteran, Howard served his country honorably in the Army. After his service, he dedicated over five decades of his life to driving buses and Howard retired in 2000 from Potlach after a commendable 34-year career.
Howard was an active member of the Model T Club, where he delighted in the camaraderie and the joy of restoring and driving classic vehicles. He was also a participant in the color guard, a reflection of his enduring patriotism and commitment to honoring his fellow veterans. Additionally, Howard had a large farm he cared for.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Howard's memory to the American Legion Post 255, with a memo for the Color Guard, or to the Babinski Foundation.
Howard Cronquist's legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His immense skills and kind heart will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Halvorson - Taylor Funeral Home.