Howard L. Trudell, 86, Deering, died Sunday, May 18, 2008, in a Minot hospital.

Howard was born December 30, 1921, on a farm located one and a half miles west of Deering, ND, to Leonard and Rose (Miller) Trudell. He was raised and educated in Deering, where he graduated from High School in 1940.

Howard farmed his father's land for a couple of years until he moved to Price, Utah, to work for the Defense Steel Company during World War II. Howard was united in marriage to Yvonne Wilson on May 8, 1943, in Utah.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 6, 1943. He was stationed in Corsica, Italy, participating in over 70 missions as a bombardier/navigator for the 47th Squadron of the 340th Bomb Group during World War II, until his honorable discharge in June 1945.

Howard worked in Minot at St. Croix Motors as a mechanic. Later, Howard gained employment at the Minot Air Force Base, working as a heavy equipment mechanic until his retirement in 1983, following 24 years of service. Yvonne died on November 14, 2001.

Howard was active in the community of Deering, where he was the Mayor and Fire Chief for 15 years, and he also served many terms on the city council. Howard was a charter member of the Deering Senior Citizens Club.

Howard was united in marriage to Gladys Hempler at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, in Garrison on September 12, 2002. They continued to make their home in Deering throughout the years.

Howard loved the outdoors, enjoying gardening, fishing, hunting, and traveling.

Howard was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, American Legion, and VFW, all of Minot. He was a past member of the Eagles Aerie and the Moose Lodge, both of Minot. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life.

Surviving family includes: Wife, Gladys, Deering; Children: Cheryl McDonald, Discovery Bay, CA, Clayton "Sonny" (Linda) Trudell, Vacaville, CA, and Charlotte "Cherie" (Vern) Swartwout, Minot, ND; Grandchildren: Wade and Chase McDonald, Michael Trudell, Corey and Billy Swartwout; Great-Grandchildren: Sara and Gavin McDonald, Brooklyn Trudell, Ashlee, Hunter, Andrew and Brenna Swartwout; Sister: Trudy (Bob) Bogert, Los Angeles, CA; Brothers: George (Betty) Trudell, Duluth, MN and Robert Trudell, Las Vegas, NV; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Yvonne, sisters, Lillian Haskins, Lorraine Trudell, and Shirley Trudell, brother, Leonard Trudell Jr., and son-in-law, Don McDonald.

Funeral: Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot, ND;
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park Minot, ND;
Vigil Prayer Service: Friday, May 23, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, May 23, 2008, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot.
Memorials: Preferred to the Little Flower Catholic School or to an organization of the donor's choice.