Byron How

Byron J. How passed away peacefully the morning of January 9, 2024, at the West Bend Health and Rehabilitation Center. We were blessed to know him 88 wonderful years.

Byron entered the world April 6, 1935 in Avoca, Iowa, the son of Harry F. and Elsie B. (Terwilliger) How. After graduating from Avoca High School in 1952 he set out to Omaha to work for Union Pacific Railroad and as a sign painter. Afterwards, he enlisted in the United States Marines where it was soon found out that he was not the “world class swimmer” he had claimed. Following his discharge from the service he attended the University of Iowa where he got his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He went on to teach at a Native American Reservation in Nevada and the Bridgewater-Fontanelle School System in Iowa. He then gained a Master’s in Education Administration from Colorado State University. He enjoyed using summer breaks to travel the world and explore nature. After meeting as pen pals, Byron married Erlinda (Ging) E. Yanson on August 3, 1988 in the Philippines. The couple made their loving home in Bode where Byron served as the Principal of Twin Rivers Elementary School in Livermore until his retirement in 1995. While at Twin Rivers he served as Athletic Director and coached high school men’s basketball, whom he led to an undefeated regular season in 1975-76. Byron loved sports, as many can recall him “cheering” at his children’s events. In his free time he enjoyed watching the Hawkeyes and Cubs, golfing, running marathons, oil painting, and restoring 1966 Mustangs. We will miss his tenacious spirit, his playful sense of humor, and his ever-present grin.

Byron is survived by his wife Ging of Bode, son Raymond How of West Des Moines and daughter Elsie How of Chicago, his sister Hazel (David) Gates of Denver, Colorado and his nephew Greg (Amy) and nieces Heather and Nancy Gates.  He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter Elaine.

Friends and neighbors are welcome to visit with the family from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM on Saturday, January 27 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Bode. Memorial Services and military rites will be held promptly after. In lieu of flowers and an allergy to lillies, the family encourages donations to any foundation that benefits education in Byron’s honor. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.   www.masonlindhart.com