Claudia Wilson Howell, 83, passed away January 27, 2026, at Sanford Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls.
Claudia Wilson was born on July 12, 1942, in Breckenridge, MN. In 1953, she and her family moved to Westport, SD, where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Westport High School in 1960 where she participated in cheerleading, basketball, glee club, Girl’s State, pep club and drama. She was a class officer, salutatorian and Prom Queen. After completing high school, she continued her education at Aberdeen School of Commerce. She began working at Scott Engineering and later worked at the Brown County Courthouse in the Assessor’s Office.
Claudia married Dennis Howell in 1962 in Webster, SD. They moved to Aberdeen, SD where they lived for 32 years. During this time, they raised 3 children, operated Brown County Abstract Company and later started what would become a lifelong family business. She participated in every facet of this business with Dennis and their children.
Claudia was a member at First United Methodist Church in Aberdeen for many years. She volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and later participated in Faith Circle Groups. She was the sponsor for three of her grandchildren during their Confirmation process.
Claudia enjoyed reading, sewing, camping, bowling and traveling. She loved to dance and taught many of her friends and family members to do the jitterbug. Most of all she loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. For her children she was the loudest cheerleader, fiercest protector and a pretty good mediator. For her grandchildren she was pure love. They have amazing memories of their time with her. Disney trips, playing on the seesaw at the lake, building snowmen and gingerbread houses, sleepovers with snack trays, swimming at their house and countless hours playing board games. When asked to describe their grandma they used the words thoughtful, nurturing, funny, generous and loving.
By her words and actions, she taught us kindness, empathy and loyalty to family and friends. To be a good person and care for others. She was the heart of our family and the glue that kept us connected. Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 63 years, Dennis, her daughter, Tracy Howell, her son Lee Howell and his spouse Julie, her daughter Stephanie Howell, her grandchildren Benjamin Kroon, Mackenzie Kroon, Lauren Mauris and her spouse Nicholas, Rylee Howell and Grace Howell, her great-grandchildren Hudson and Emerson Mauris, her brothers Michael Wilson and Tim Wilson and his spouse Jaye.
Claudia is preceded in death by her twin daughters Terry and Teresa Howell, her parents Llewellyn and Grace Wilson, her sisters Marlene Dehne and Sharon Ward and her brothers Larry and Lee Wilson.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Claudia’s name to Feeding South Dakota.
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