Howard Abrahamson

Howard Abrahamson, 90, Grand Marais, died November 27, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.

Howard was born March 7th, 1929 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and was adopted by Thomas and Lucille Abrahamson from Aberdeen, South Dakota.  Howard grew up and attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.  He served as seargent in the U.S. airforce during the Korean war and was an ROTC instructor at the University of Illinois.  He worked for St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis and then Fairview Hospital for over twenty years as a Data Processing Supervisor. He then worked with Nedra Mahaney, sister-in-law, with a Special Education Cooperative. Upon moving permanently to Cook County he worked with the Grand Portage Tribal Council in employee services.

He and the family lived in three Minnesota communities, Bloomington, Jordan and Grand Marais.

Howard served for many years on the following boards: Great River Energy, Bethlehem Luthern Church, Grand Marais Hospital and the Arrowhead Electric. He and Joan were honored as the Cook County Senior Citizens of the Year in 2000. As Master Gardener’s Joan and Howard were active in planning and development of outdoor spaces in Grand Marais.

He was a member of Bethlehem Luthern Church, Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Howard enjoyed wood working, reading, gardening, singing in the Bethlehem Church Choir, conversing with everyone but most of all, spending time with his family.

Howard was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister and brother-in-law  Hannah and Lloyd Grinde, and son Bill (William).

He is survived by his wife, Joan; children Mark (Steve Byers), Lynn Abrahamson, Lisa Rillo (Arnel);  grandchildern Lana Meisner (Daniel), Victoria Fahey (Kyle), Antonio Rillo (Anna), Beckley Rumph, Naomi Smith (Mark) and Chad Byers;  great-grandchildern Garrett Rillo, Jacqueline Meisner, Siena Fahey, Olivia Smith, Laiten, River, and Gentry Byers, and his sister Mary Lou Thompsen.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday December 6th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais, Minnesota.  Burial will be at Fort Snelling in the spring, date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred North Shore Healthcare Foundation.