Howard L. Parac.

Howard Leroy Paré was born to Alphonse and Gertrude (Thelan) Paré on August 4, 1926 in Mercy Hospital of Devils Lake. He attended grade school at Minco School #1 and graduated from high school in 1943 at St. Thomas Military Academy in St. Paul, MN. He also attended St. Thomas College. Howard was married to Muriel Rose Otto on September 9, 1946 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tolna.

Howard was very active in the community over the years. Some of the organizations and positions he held were: State President of the North Dakota Irrigation District Association, Director and Secretary of the Warwick-McVille Irrigation District, Supervisor and Chairman of Minco Township, Chairman of the Minco Township Zoning Commission, Vice-Chairman of the Benson County Officers Association, Commissioner and member of the Benson County Planning and Zoning Commission, Vice-Chairman of Lake Region Grain Cooperative, Chairman of the Tolna Cooperative Credit Union, Secretary of the Tolna Community Club, Chairman of St. Joseph's Church Council, Vice-Chairman of the Nelson County Farmers Union, member of Leval Farmers Union, member and President of the Warwick School Board for many years, and a life-long member of the Elks organization. Howard farmed for many years and also operated the Rural Supply Company Plumbing & Heating. He also installed the first irrigation system in the area.

Howard is survived by three children, Colleen (Les) Hanson of Tolna, ND, Linda (Rick) Aukerman of Corpus Christi, TX, and Michael Paré (fiancée Connie Gladue and her children, Kayci and Callie) of Tolna, ND; his grandchildren, Cindy (Joe) Welu of Eden Prairie, MN, Lisa (Mick) Thompson of Ada, MN, Tracy (Chris) Pellicer of Jacksonville, FL, Scott (Megan) Hanson of Savage, MN, Tim (Kim) Hanson of Huntsville, AL, Chris (Deb) Paré of Davenport, ND, Allen Paré of Tolna, ND, and Joni (Justin) Smith of Platte City, MO; his great-grandchildren, Rhett and Zyler Niece, Farrah and Preslee Welu, Connor, Jace, Lauren, Jenna, and Blaine Thompson, Zoe, Greta, and Nolan Hanson, Victoria and Jackie Paré, Elizabeth Smith, and Violet Pellicer; his step-grandchildren, Saul and Josie Guerrero, and Hannah Pellicer; his step-great-grandchildren, Saul and Rami; one sister, Maxine Ramier of Winnipeg, MB; three sisters-in-law, Mary LaVon Lysne of San Antonio, TX, Elaine (Gene) Weiss of Champlin, MN, and Verana Rohman of West Fargo, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tolna, ND, on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Steven J. Meyer. The organist will be Diane Hoveskeland with special music by Howard's granddaughters. Interment will be in the Tolna Cemetery. The casketbearers will be Scott Hanson, Tim Hanson, Chris Paré, Allen Paré, Mick Thompson, Joe Welu, Justin Smith, and Chris Pellicer. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND, on Friday, beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Church on Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Mass.