Howard P. McElroy (Howie) our beloved husband and father passed peacefully on Sunday November 1, 2020, at the Continental Care and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 83.
Howard was born on November 6, 1936, in Butte, Montana, to Mabel and Lawrence McElroy. He is survived by his wife, Vera McElroy; children, Joe and Lisa McElroy, Terri and Tor Gudmundsen, Paul and Patty McElroy, Julie McElroy and Chris Sullivan; five grandchildren, Erica Gudmundsen, Andrew McElroy, Alyssa McElroy, Josie McElroy, and Shawn McElroy and his wife Chelsey; and in-laws, Bruce Daughton, Palmer and Mary Penny, Skip and Carol Penny, Mary Penny, and Ben Steilman. Howard is preceded in death by his father, Lawrence; his mother, Mabel; sister, Mary Pat Daughton; brother, Dan McElroy; and in-laws, Palmer and Vera Penny and Margret Steilman.
Howard attended St. Patrick’s Grade School and graduated from Boy Central in 1955. He was a member of the 1952 football team that won the State Championship and was inducted into the Butte’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. After graduating, he served an apprenticeship at Murphy’s Garage until he joined the U.S Army in 1958 and served until 1961. In 1960 he married his beloved wife Vera and return to Montana in 1961 to start his family. From 1961 to 1963, he worked at F & S Construction before becoming a mechanic for the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, and he worked there until its closure in 1983. In 1985, he became production supervisor for the Butte Sheltered Workshop wood and sewing departments. This was his favorite and most gratifying job as he loved working with the kids. He retired from the Butte Shelter Workshop in 2004. He always said the best job he ever had was retirement.
Howard was always in involved in sports (football, handball, bowling, ice skating, baseball, golfing, skiing, and archery). He was passionate for the outdoors and an avid sportsman loving to hunt, fish, and camp. He spent countless hours fishing the Big Hole and Madison Rivers, Canyon Ferry Reservoir and hunting with friends and family. He was a long-time member of the Butte Gun and Silver Bow Archery Clubs.
Howard’s greatest passion was Vera and raising his four children, Joe, Terri, Paul, and Julie. He was supportive, always there, and encouraged his children to get college educations. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and how they have grown to be adults. He will truly be missed by all of his family and friends.
We would like to thank the Senior Solutions Hospice, Continental Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Big Sky Senior Living staff members for the compassion and care of Howard over the last three and half years.
Due to the current situation surrounding the COVID -19 pandemic, a private funeral service will be held for the family only. Memorials may be made in Howard’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Montana Chapter, American Cancer Society, Special Olympics or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Howard. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Howard and his family.
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Service Schedule
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Dennis, Kay, and Brian Sullivan says
Our hearts are with you and your family.He has reached out and touched the hand of God and is forever in his care.
Doc Jordan says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please except our condolences.
Doc and Cookie Jordan
Lauri Yelenich says
I was so sorry to hear of Howie’s passing. I always enjoyed our visits and his fishing and hunting stories. Prayers to Vera and Family. God Bless
Mary McGee-Spalding says
Joe, Lisa and the McElroy family – so sorry for your loss. You are in our Thoughts and Prayers! Mary and Mike Spalding, Kris and Rob Michelotti, Chuck and Heather McGee Mike and Karen McGee and families!
Bonnie Brock says
Deepest sympathy with the loss of a wonderful man. He always had a smile for me before and during his illness.He will be greatly missed.
Craig Swanson says
Vera and Family, Our deepest sympathy and so sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences. Ross and Craig Swanson
Joyce Kuecks says
Ron and I send sincere sympathy to you , Vera and family.
He was such a nice guy and we enjoyed seeing him and
Sharing in conversation. Always remember Ron’s grandmother, Nettie Gamwells talking about him.
Hugs and prayers to you.
Ron and Joyce Kuecks
Julie Henrich says
Dear Vera & Family,
My thoughts & sincere sympathy to you for the loss of your dear, Howie. I will always remember his friendly face & kindness at Holy Spirit at Mass.
May you find comfort in your precious memories.
God Bless,
Julie Henrich
Ross Swanson says
Vera and family thinking of you at this difficult time and so sorry for your loss. Howie was a great guy and lucky to have such a loving family. He is now in a better place. Our prayers are with you.
Marty and Leslie Bennett says
Joe, Lisa, Andy and Jose –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Your fishing and hunting buddy has gone onto a better place…
Take care,
Marty and Leslie
Debbie says
Our deepest sympathy to Vera and family! It was a pleasure to have known Howie. He will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers🙏💐
Steve and Debbie Powley
Debbie Powley says
Our deepest sympathy to Vera and family! It was a pleasure to have known Howie. He will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers🙏💐
Steve and Debbie Powley
Anonymous says
Dear family of Howie McElroy, my Thoughts and prayers are with you. Howie was a wonderful person and a terrific teammate at Butte Central.
May God Bless and comfort each of you.
Sonny Lubick
Debbie (Salmonsen) Burton says
To my second family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Howie. May the wonderful memories of good times carry you through this difficult time of grieving. As Thanksgiving was always such a special time for our families please know how thankful we all are to have had Howie in our lives. Blessings and love to all of you.
Andy &Barb Janhunen says
So sorry for your loss.
Andy &Barb Janhunen says
So sorry for your loss.
Michael J Boelter says
WE ALWAY LOOKED FORWARD TO A TRIP TO MONTANA SO WE COULD VISIT HOWIE AND VERA. AS COUSINS WE DIDN’T SEE EACH OTHER VERY OFTEN BUT HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED. I LOVED PLAYING GOLF WITH HOWIE.
WE LOVED VERA AND HOWIE BECAUSE WE ARE FAMILY……..
MIKE & JUDY BOELTER
ST.GEORGE
Diane snyder says
So sorry for the loss of Howie. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Diane Lane Snyder