Howard Carl Brixey

1948 - 2025

On May 26th Memorial day Howard Brixey peacefully passed away, at his home with family near. Howard grew up in Nevada City, with his 3 brothers; he recalled spending most of his time trying to keep them out of mischief. His junior year he moved with his family to Lodi, going on to graduate from Lodi High school class of 1966. Soon after graduation Howard began working at Pacific Coast Producers as a machinist operator. Here he would remain employed for the next 39 years making many lifelong friendships that he spoke of often and that meant so very much to him. In 1967 the can-plant held his job for him while he enlisted in the Army and went overseas to fight in the Vietnam War as a machine gunner and eventually becoming a military police officer. One of many men whose efforts and sacrifices were never noted, Howard was a hardworking honorable human being through and through.
Shortly after returning from the Army he met a pretty lady on a blind date, named Karen Green. They went to the car races and enjoyed each other's company so much that after that, the two of them were like peas and carrots. Howard quickly stepped into the role of step-father, to Karen's three young boys, Dennis, Rick and Ron Green. In 1974 the two lovebirds tied the knot and in 1978 the family was complete with the birth of their daughter Rhonda Brixey. They had a lot of fun competition deer hunting, and fishing for the biggest sturgeon. They enjoyed boating on the Delta with the Lodi Boat and Ski Club and many trips to Reno and Jackson Rancheria over the years. Howard was forced into an early retirement in 2005, when he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and Parkinson's disease and given five years to live if he was lucky. In 2011 he lost his best friend and wife Karen to cancer.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Edith Brixey, his brother Mike Brixey, and of course his soul mate Karen. He is survived by his brother Brad Brixey, 4 children and 14 grandchildren as well as 10 great grandchildren - many of whom he was more like a father to than a grandfather. We love and miss you so much and want to thank you for always being the best that you could be!
Everyone who was lucky enough to have gotten to know Howard, you are all invited to help us celebrate the time and life of my dear ole dad, Howard Brixey. His services will be held Saturday September the 6th with a Memorial at 9:00 am at Lodi Funeral Home, 725 S. Fairmont Ave, in Lodi, and a Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at Lodi Lake in the back (Ron Williams Area). So please everyone, tell all his friends, the more the merrier.