Howard "Howie" S. Cichy

Howard "Howie" S. Cichy, age 69, of Shakopee, MN, passed away with his family by his side on October 4, 2024. 

A Visitation will be held from 5 - 7 PM on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 Marschall Rd, Shakopee, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM with additional visitation time from 10 - 10:45 AM on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 350 Atwood St S, Shakopee, MN with Fr. Frankie Floeder presiding. 

Howie will be laid to rest at Marystown Catholic Cemetery in Shakopee.

Howard Stanley was born on June 28, 1955 to Edward and Doris (Susanka) Cichy in Minneapolis, MN. Howie grew up with his three sisters in the city until he was seven years old, when they moved to the outskirts of Savage, MN. He graduated from Burnsville High School in 1973. He was blessed to meet Mary Weinzierl at the Paradise Ballroom in Waconia through a mutual acquaintance. Howie and Mary were united in marriage on December 3, 1977 at the Catholic Church in St. Bonifacius, MN. Together, they raised three daughters, Jessica, Jolene, and Jennifer in Shakopee. 

Howie worked at Bridgestone/Firestone of Bloomington, MN for many years, starting in 1979. Even after his retirement of 30 years working (or holding up the counter), he continued on in a part time role. He was heavily involved with local racetracks, including Elko Speedway & Raceway Park before it closed, passing his love of car racing on to his daughters. Howie loved watching NASCAR as well and was an avid fan of Dale Earnhardt. Howie, Mary, and their daughters enjoyed many family trips in their motorhome, to different racetracks, South Dakota to visit family, and other fun destinations. In the winter, Howie was an avid snowmobiler. He regularly went on snowmobile trips up north and shared a “Daddy – Daughter” trip every year with his girls. He was an outdoorsman as well, hunted deer, duck, goose, and pheasant with his Dad before his passing and then passing the love onto his daughters. Back at home, he was dedicated to taking good care of his lawn and was diligent in keeping it looking pristine. He also loved tinkering in the garage on various woodworking crafts. 

Later in life, Howie’s life was enriched with four spunky grandchildren. As “Bumpa”, he spoiled all four of them with countless trips to the candy store, snacks from the garden and continued the tradition of camping with the grands. He thrived when he was able to spend time with each of them. The grands were the twinkle in his eyes. 

Cich-O-Bean is loved and will be greatly missed by his wife of 46 years, Mary; daughters, Jessica Cichy, Jolene (Nathan) McHale, and Jennifer (Toby) Hanson; grandchildren, Brooke & Tanner McHale, Alana & Charlie Hanson; mother, Doris; sisters, Jane, Donna, and Sharon; and many nieces, nephews, loving family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Edward.