Howard Linn, 97

Howard Linn, 97, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2020, at the Hubbard Care Center. A flowing visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hubbard. A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Military honors and burial will follow at the Hubbard Cemetery. The wearing of masks is suggested at both functions and social distancing guidelines should be respected. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post #317 Building Fund, Radcliffe, Iowa, or to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hubbard, Iowa. Boeke Funeral Home of Hubbard is in charge of arrangements. For more information and online condolences go to: www.boekefuneralhomes.com.

Howard Alvern Linn was born Dec. 7, 1922, in Garretson, S.D. He was one of seven children born to Henry and Amy (Amundson) Linn. He was baptized on March 1, 1923, and confirmed Oct. 11, 1936, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Radcliffe.

Howard was just a baby when the family moved to Iowa and his parents settled on a farm southeast of Radcliffe. He received his education starting at Concord #2 and graduated from high school in Radcliffe with the Class of 1940.

Howard enlisted in the Army Air Corp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on his 19th birthday. He was stationed in North Pickenham, England and was a gunner on a B-24 Liberator Bomber. His bomber was shot down on May 19, 1944, and he was taken as a prisoner of war in Rodewold, Germany. He was transferred to Stalag #4 Prison Camp where he remained for a year. He participated in the 87 day POW death march across Germany and was liberated on May 8, 1945, by the Allied Forces. When Howard returned home, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Honorable Service While A Prisoner of War medal.

He married Bernice “Betty” Doering at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hubbard on March 14, 1946. To this union four children were born. They rented a farm southeast of Radcliffe and later purchased a farm southeast of Garden City. He and Betty operated a dairy and crop farm. They spent many years delivering Winnebago motor homes to dealerships across the country, and also sold collectible dolls at the Iowa State Fair for several years. After retirement, the Linns moved to Iowa Falls, where they lived until 2019.

They were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where he was very active in the church, serving in roles of Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, Bible class leader and congregation president. After moving to Iowa Falls, they were also members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was on the Radcliffe School Board for nine years. Howard was a proud member of the American Legion for 70 years. In later years, Howard gave presentations about his war experiences to approximately 300 schools, churches and civic groups. He had a deep appreciation and respect for the freedoms we enjoy and the great sacrifices made for them. During the presentations, Howard was able to share his faith and give his testimony on how God helped him survive prison camp. Howard wrote a book for his descendants to document his war experiences, so his story would not be forgotten. The book can be found in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Howard enjoyed farming, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. A special highlight in his life was when the Linns took a trip to Norway in 1992 to visit relatives. He also made a trip to England and Germany with his family in 1998 to visit his military base and reacquaint himself with the man who turned him over to German authorities during World War II. It was a time of forgiveness, healing and newfound friendship.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife of 74 years, Betty, who is residing at the Hubbard Care Center; four children Linda (Glen Heitritter) Swenson of Omaha, Neb., Roger (Lois) Linn of Westworth Village, Texas, Kathy (Dr. Alan) Stockard of Lakeside, Texas and Barbara Vinchattle of Colorado Springs, Colo.; six grandchildren (his casket bearers) Staci Brenna, Sara Brazelton, Jennifer Barefoot, Dr. Amy Turner, Collin Vinchattle, and Brittany Bozung; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister Mavis Leerberg of Hubbard; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald and Myron, sisters Kernie Fletcher, Lois Vickre and Phyllis Johnson.

Howard was a wonderful Christian husband, father and grandfather who lived his faith in God, and will be dearly missed. Let us give thanks to God this day for the life and memory of Howard Alvern Linn.

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