Howard Dale Brooks, 91, Bowman, ND, died Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at the Southwest Medical Hospital, Bowman, ND, after battling COVID. He was supported by family members when he passed.  Howard will be greatly missed, but we know he will be watching over us and will always be in our hearts and memories.

Howard was born July 13, 1930, to Harold and Ruby (Gausemel) Brooks in Bowman, ND.  He grew up on the family farm north of Bowman, with 2 brothers and one sister.  He attended Cottage Grade School, and graduated from Bowman High School in 1948 as Valedictorian of his class.  Howard attended the North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) for 3 years.  Howard met his future wife Pauline McDonald, Fargo, ND, at an NDAC football game.  They married in Fargo, ND, on Sept. 17, 1951.  He enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1955.  A daughter (Cheryl) was born while Howard was stationed in Illinois. Howard became a weather forecaster and spent part of his military service in Japan.  After his discharge from the Air Force, Howard returned to his family in Bowman to farm and ranch with his father and brothers.

They had 2 more daughters (Tracy and Dianne) and 1 son (James) while on the farm north of Bowman.  Howard moved his family to a ranch northwest of Rhame, ND, in 1960.  He surprised the township by also bringing Angus cattle.  Two more sons, Robert and Lee, joined the family there.

Besides farming, ranching, and providing for his wife and 6 kids, Howard was also active in the community.  He served as a 4-H leader, was on the Crawford township board and the Slope County ASCS County Committee for many years, and served on the Rhame school board for 16 years without ever running for the position.  Howard was also a board member of the Bowman Grain Elevator, serving as secretary for many years.

Howard worked very hard to improve his land and Angus herd.  His farming and ranching expertise was recognized when he received the Outstanding Agriculturist Award from NDSU.  Howard also received an award from the Bowman Chamber of Commerce for Notable Achievement and Contribution to Agriculture, Civic Involvement and Leadership.  His kids also appreciated the quality of his herd, winning blue ribbons and trophies for their 4-H steers.  They also appreciated his support for their education; all 6 kids graduated with college degrees.

Howard was extremely intelligent, able to read about something and then do it.  When Howard and Pauline built their dream house on the Rhame ranch, Howard did a lot of the work himself (plumbing, electrical, and construction).  He also had a good memory and excelled at playing cards.  Pinochle was a favorite game played with the family.  Howard also had a very dry and great sense of humor.  He was a quiet man but his words were always appreciated.  He was a strong, patient, kind and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Howard and Pauline moved to Bowman, ND, in 1990, when Howard semi-retired.  For many years after that he continued to provide help to his son Rob on the Rhame ranch.  He built a shop behind his house in Bowman and filled it with woodworking equipment.  Howard enjoyed wood-working, reading, trading stocks, and was a self-taught computer whiz.  He also played cards (rap poker to supplement his retirement income) twice a day uptown, carrying on the tradition his father Harold enjoyed.   A favorite question to ask him was how was his luck that day? Howard also had a life-long passion for flying, and had a single engine pilot's license for many years.  Howard and Pauline also enjoyed traveling, including trips to Nebraska, Arizona and New Mexico to visit family.  They were blessed to share 70 years of marriage together.

Howard is survived by his wife Pauline Brooks, Bowman, ND; his sister Connie Padgett (Dave) Custer, SD; his sister-in-law Noel Nordberg, Bowman, ND; daughters Cheryl Brooks, Grand Forks, ND, and Tracy Kralicek (Dave Lunn) Mesa, AZ; and son Rob Brooks (Holly) Rhame, ND.  Also mourning Howard's passing are his daughters-in-law Kathy Rauscher (Steve) Lincoln, NE, and Kristi Brooks, Ft. Meyers, FL; his grand-children: Karin Kralicek, Kelly Kralicek, Dana Cortade (David), Jordan Brooks, Larissa Brooks (Jaron Reisenauer), Kaitlin Brooks, Hank Brooks (Paige), Ben Brooks (Paola), Josh Brooks, and Isaac Brooks; and great-grand-daughter Everly Brooks; and other family members and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Ruby Brooks; his brothers Eugene and Wayne Brooks; sister-in-law Lillian Brooks; his children Dianne, James, and Lee Brooks; and son-in-law Lee Kralicek.

A private funeral service is scheduled for 2 pm Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 at the Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Home, Bowman, ND.  Burial will follow the service at the Bowman Cemetery. Visitation will be Wed., Sept. 15, 2021 from 10 am to 7 pm at the Funeral Home.  A memorial service to celebrate Howard's life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Southwest Medical Hospital, the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum, or a charity of your choice.