Howard “Howie” Henrickson
Howard “Howie” Henrickson, a dedicated educator, beloved family man, and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Born on July 31, 1943, at home in Espelie township with the help of his Aunt Gunda Myrum, Howard lived a life rich with purpose, devotion, and spirited engagement until the age of 82.
A proud graduate of Goodridge High School, class of 1961, Howard pursued his passion for education at Bemidji State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in teaching. His love for teaching began in 1965 in Fertile, Minnesota, where he served until 1968. It was during this early career that he met his future wife, Noreen Carol Oftedahl. Their bond, rooted in a shared commitment to community and faith, culminated in their marriage on March 29, 1969, at Evanger Lutheran Church in Fertile.
Howard’s teaching career spanned over three decades, marking significant periods in Warren (1968-1970), Grygla (1970-1976), and concluding in Plummer (1977-1999). Retirement did not slow him down, as he embarked on yet another professional chapter at Digi-Key in Thief River Falls, contributing for 21 years until his retirement at 80 years old.
Throughout his life, Howard was known for a vibrant personality full of life and energy. He embraced physical activity, stemming from an early life working on the farm with his parents and siblings. His son recalls him choosing to push a mower rather than ride one, reflecting a hardworking spirit and a preference for hands-on engagement. His interests were diverse—he enjoyed football and especially baseball, where he pitched both at Goodridge high school and at BSU. He was known for his “hard to hit” knuckle ball. He was an active member of the Saddle Club in Grygla and the Lions Club in Goodridge. Howard enjoyed cutting wood, working with his horses, and walking with his dogs. Howard loved playing cards (especially Whist) and throwing horseshoes with friends and family at “the lake cabin” on Maple Lake. He and Noreen loved to go out and grab a bite to eat with friends and family and drink several cups of hot coffee. His sense of humor and friendly nature made him a companion to many and a friend to all who knew him.
A turning point in Howard’s life came in 1982 when he turned his life to Jesus and accepted Him as Lord and Savior. During this spiritual renewal, he chose to quit alcohol and devote more of his time to family and others. He was involved with Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN, where he was a respected and devoted member. Howard’s faith and compassion extended into his daily life as he invested time and effort in visiting friends and neighbors.
Howard was a loving husband to his wife of 57 years, Noreen Henrickson of Thief River Falls. He was a proud and supportive father to his son, Shannon Henrickson, and his wife Shelli of Park Rapids, MN. He dearly loved his siblings Helen Rude, Esther Collins, Gordon (Sandy) Henrickson, Geno Henrickson, his brother and sister-in- laws; Tom (Melisa) Oftedahl, Arne (Karen) Teigland as well as his many nieces, nephews, co-workers, and friends who all held him in high regard. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Inga (Stolaas) Henrickson, his brother Donald Henrickson, his brothers-in-law Rudy Rude, Virgil Collins, Don Anderson, and sister-in-law Janice Henrickson.
Memories of Howard bring to light an individual who balanced his responsibilities as a provider and helper—assisting Gordon and Geno Farming, custom bailing and cutting CRP for area farmers, selling Shaklee products and even taking on exterior painting jobs during the summers.
Services to honor Howard’s life will begin with visitation at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls on June 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on June 19, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at First Evanger Cemetery in Fertile, MN.
Howard Henrickson’s legacy is that of a man full of love, dedication, and unwavering integrity—a man who touched many lives through his teaching, faith, and genuine friendship. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
