Photo courtesy of Adams & Swanson Funeral Home - North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska
Jun 27, 1960 – Nov 1, 2024
Howard Brian Main, 64, of North Platte, NE, passed away November 1, 2024, at his home. He was born June 27, 1960, to Francis and Wilma Erickson Main in Sioux Falls, SD.
Howard attended Ellis District #87 elementary school in Ellis, SD. He graduated in 1978 from West Central High School in Hartford, SD. He graduated from Iowa State University with an agronomy degree. Howard worked for 30 years as a soil scientist for the US Government. Soil surveys took him to Montana, New Mexico, and Nebraska. Howard enjoyed reading, writing poetry, playing guitar, writing songs, and recording music at home. He will be remembered as a lifelong fan of the Beatles and Dylan. Howard had a passion for the Old West. He studied it, lived it, and breathed it. He participated in a 17-day trail ride from Ft. Pierre to Deadwood, SD; Custer State Park buffalo roundups; Little Big Horn Battle reenactments at Hardin, MT. Howard was an extra in western movie productions in NM. He rode his horse Scout in Pony Express Re-Rides in NE. Howard was an old west history buff especially The Battle of Little Big Horn. Howard loved hunting big game in the Snowy Mountains of MT. His love of the old west led him to build a forge and a leather workshop. Howard’s family would like to thank his many caregivers.
Howard had a great love for his horses and his dogs. In lieu of flowers please donate in his memory to your local animal shelter.
Howard is survived by siblings: Tom (Susan) Main, Chester, SD, Jan (Don) Ewoldt, Hartford, SD, Barb McHugh, Minneapolis, MN, Linda Main, Henderson, NV, Julie Main-Glaser, Sioux Falls, SD. Special friends, Angie Elg, Isle, MN, Mary Rita, Jeremey, and Adam Tiesman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and neighbors.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Donna Lueth, and nephew Michael McHugh.
A family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
“God, give us more summer nights together, either now or sometime of your favor, take us back to them days of old Ellis, and this time, I’ll listen closer, to what them stars tried to tell us.” HB Main
“I’ll see ya on down the line”
Read More
I am so sad to hear of his passing. I also knew Howard from West Central. For such a small class of graduates, we have already lost so many. My condolences to his friends and family.
Charyl (Kropp) Peifer
November 15, 2024 | St. Paul, MN | Classmate
So sorry to hear of the passing of Howard. The Main family were neighbors in Ellis. We went to schools together rode the same bus and to church. Howard was alot younger so we have memories of him growing up. Haven't seen him for a long time. Last I knew he lived in Montana. He was taken so soon. It is devastating losing a sister 2 weeks ago and him now. So sad. May God be with you all at this difficult time. Rest in peace Howard no more suffering. You all have our Deepest Sympathy!!
Harold and Connie Fiferlick
November 11, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Neighbor
Sad news. Howard and I worked together in updating the soil surveys of Thomas and Hooker Counties (2008-2010) and contract work after I retired (2011-2013). He always treated me and others with respect. After I moved, I visited him and Angie in North Platte several times and once they visited me in Wahoo. I am praying for Angie and his siblings and their families. Picture is at Nebraskaland Days parade in North Platte (June, 2011).
Roger Hammer
November 09, 2024 | Wahoo, NE | Coworker
I worked with Howard and Angie for 10+ years at the USDA-NRCS in North Platte, NE. He was a fantastic coworker and friend. He was a dedicated soil scientist and at the top of his profession. I will miss our occasional phone calls, where we talked about hunting elk and Dutch oven cooking. But, I'm a believer in the death, burial and reresection of my Lord Jesus Christ. So I will see Howard again.
Shawn Riley
November 08, 2024 | Brule, NE | Friend
I went to school with Howard and graduated with him at West Central. He sat behind me in English Lit. I hated the class but Howard always made it tolerable!!! He really had a funny side!!!
Cherry Johnson (McCullough)
November 07, 2024 | Hartford, SD | Classmate
Howard and I grew up two houses from each other and shared many fun adventures in our early years. He was one of the good ones. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Scott Grapevine
November 07, 2024 | Sioux Falls, SD | Friend
Howard will be missed deeply. I enjoyed visiting with Howard and talking about the many topics he was passionate about. My sincerest condolences .
John Warner
November 05, 2024 | Salina, KS | Coworker