Howard Senske, of Jordan, was welcomed into Heaven the morning of December 1, 2015 at the age of 71. He was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. A visitation will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 from 3:30-7:30 PM at Hope Lutheran Church in Jordan. A Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior at Hope Lutheran Church. Reverend Steven Thompson will preside.
On June 9, 1944 Erwin and Irene Senske celebrated the birth of their son, Howard Victor Senske. Howard was a playful and adventurous child. He and his friends were told to never go out on the lake in the Gaylord Park, but they ignored this rule. They built a raft which they hid from their parents, and used their raft to make trips across the lake to an island where they searched for arrowheads. Howard’s lifelong love for nature probably began on those rafting trips.
He also developed a strong work ethic and many of his “Do It Yourself” skills as a boy. He began working at his father’s gravel construction business and also helped out at his mother’s laundromat. During high school Howard was an accomplished athlete and captain of the football, basketball and track teams. But his biggest accomplishment in high school came in his sophomore year when he began dating Charlotte Peterson.
After graduating from high school, Howard attended Gustavus Adolphus College where he studied Biology and Earth Science. Only a week after his college graduation, Howard married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Char. They exchanged wedding vows on June 4, 1966 at St. Bernadotte Lutheran Church in rural Lafayette. They were blessed with two wonderful children, Peter and Heather.
Howard was eager to begin his teaching career. He worked in Hector, Minnesota and the Imperial Valley of California before settling in Jordan. While in California, Howard earned his Master’s Degree in Education from San Diego State University.
Both Char and Howard worked in the Jordan School District for many years. Howard taught science to junior high and high school students. He taught courses in Biology, Earth Science, Photography and led many canoe trips on the Minnesota River. Howard was a beloved teacher and when he retired, he was honored by the school and students when they named Senske Trail after him.
Howard was a man of strong faith, and was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church in Jordan. He was on the church council, served on building committees, was a member of the choir and acted as the building liaison when the new church was built. He even made and donated the beautiful stained glass windows that are still in the church today. Community was also very important to Howard. He owned a local business for more than 30 years. Wine & Spirits sponsored countless community events. Howard was an active member of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and served on the bank board for Valley Bank.
In retirement, Howard was able to pursue some of his other interests. He enjoyed doing anything that allowed him to be outdoors. He loved to fish, canoe, golf, ski and garden. Char and Howard liked to go camping together, and especially enjoyed trips to Fall Lake in Ely. They also took the grandkids on an annual camping trip, and Howard passed on his love of nature to each of them. Howard spent a lot of time working with his hands. He was a “Do It Yourself” kind of guy and was skilled in so many different areas. He built custom furniture, stained glass, and even built a swimming pool in their backyard. He really enjoyed helping out with remodeling projects at both of his children’s homes. He volunteered many hours to build, rebuild, or repair things at Hope Lutheran.
Although Howard had many hobbies and interests, family was the most important thing in his life. Howard was a loving husband, wonderful father and the best grandpa to Tor, Bryn, Grace and Caroline. His grandkids were truly the light of his life, and he treasured every moment he spent with them.
Howard’s family is now left to honor his life and carry on his legacy. He will be remembered by his wife, Char Senske; son, Peter (Carrie) Senske and their children, Tor and Bryn; daughter, Heather (Josh) Kinkeade and their children, Grace and Caroline; sister, Janice (Don) Petrick; many nieces and nephews, loving relatives and dear friends.
