Howard E. Hunt

Howard Earl "Howie" Hunt, age 89 of Cannon Falls and formerly of Rochester, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls, where he has resided since 2018.

Howie was born on May 30, 1936 in Glenville, Minnesota, the son of Earl and Blanche (Kuchera) Hunt. He graduated from Albert Lea High School and then joined the Navy. Howie honorably served with the US Navy from 1955-1964 as an airplane electronics technician. He went to barber college after serving in the Navy.

He married the love of his life, Ellen Marie Grose on December 22, 1961 at Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea during a snowstorm. They were introduced by his cousin Lola, who was a good friend of Ellen's.

Howie retired from Schmitt Music in 1998, and embarked on a second career as a School Crossing Guard. He would brave Minnesota weather each day to be on the corner for his kids. He often found a hat, gloves or a coat for a kid who didn't have any. He enjoyed having something to do and enjoyed the kids he helped.

Howie was a professional musician, playing tuba for over 50 years. He started his career playing upright string bass in his father's dance band. He played in several bands over the years but was an original member of the Turkey River All Stars Jazz Band. With the Turkeys, he traveled often playing jazz festivals and river cruises on the Delta and Mississippi Queen riverboats. The Turkeys represented Minnesota at the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. He enjoyed playing and often any gathering of friends resulted in an impromptu jam session.

After his love for music was his love for ships and military aircraft. Everything from steam paddle boats to the Aircraft carriers he served on. He knew every jet that he ever worked on and enjoyed books about naval ships and all aircraft.

He loved spending time with family, keeping up with the Blue Angels and socializing with everyone he met!

During his time at Cannon Rivers Senior Living he had the wonderful companionship of Marguerite Judge and Doris Rapp.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Cannon Rivers Senior Living and Brighton Hospice for the wonderful care and love that they provided for Howie and his family.

Howie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His easy demeanor and always ready smile made him a light in any room. His family and friends will all miss him very, very much.

He is survived by his loving children, Kari (Steven) Hoffman of Cannon Falls and Timothy Hunt of DeRidder, Louisiana; grandchildren, Chelsea Ann Hoffman (Shawn Keller), Erin (Kris) Smith, Megan Tribble, and Megan Riley; great-grandchildren, Ella and Chloe Hoffman, Denver Riley, Kowan, Kaison, and Kylan Smith; sister, Linda O'Rourke; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ellen; daughter-in-law, Teresa Hunt; grandson, David Riley; and siblings, Lainy Kriss and Dorothy Mark.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, March 20 from 1-3 pm, with a brief service at 2 pm followed by a military honors farewell outside, at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls. He will be interred at a later date with his wife at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville.

Memorials can be directed to the Nelson Scofield VFW Post 4452 of Cannon Falls, MN for the remodeling project.