Howard Franklin "Pete" Shofner

Howard Franklin "Pete" Shofner
March 10, 1945 - September 5, 2018

            Howard Franklin “Pete” Shofner, age 73 of Osage, MN, formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, with his loved ones at his side, following a valiant battle against aggressive diseases caused by agent orange.

            Pete was born on March 10, 1945, on his parent’s farm near Osage, MN to Rynard and Olga (Olson) Shofner.  He attended the Green Valley Country School through the 5^th grade and then attended the District #54 country school through the 8^th grade.  He went on to attend high school in Park Rapids.  As a young man, Pete moved with his family to the iron range of northeastern MN where he logged and worked as an auto mechanic.  In 1965, Pete entered the United States Army and served as a member of the 716^th Military Police Battalion serving in Viet Nam until his honorable discharge in July of 1967.  Pete then settled in the Twin Cities, making his home in southeast Mpls., and working for Murphy Brothers delivering furniture.  On November 20, 1971, Pete was united in marriage to Judith Irene Watson at the Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN.  Their marriage was blessed with two children: Howard Jr. and Georgia.  Howard then gained employment working for Peterson Bros. Roofing for 12 years before moving to St. Paul and working for the City of St. Paul in the Street Department until his retirement in 2000.  In his spare time, Howard enjoyed collecting and restoring guns and working on his antique and classic cars.  He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.  Above all, he loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with all his heart.

            Pete will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 47 years, Judy of Osage; his son, Howard F. (Beth) Shofner, Jr. of Hastings, MN and his daughter, Georgia (Andy) Peterson of Osage; four dearly loved grandchildren: Natalie, Alex and Adam Shofner of Hastings, MN and Frankie Peterson of Osage; three brothers: Gene (Alice) Shofner of Cedar, MN, Bard (Vicky) Shofner of Nashwauk, MN and Russell (Debbie) Shofner of Pengilly, MN; five sisters: Caroline (Johnny) Mistelske of Spring Lake Park, MN, Barb (Ron) Johnson of Moundsview, MN, Elizabeth of Moundsview, Sheryl (Steve) Juetten of Lino Lakes, MN and Laurie of Grand Rapids, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

            Pete was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Edna and Donna; three brothers: Allen, Tine, and Jim; and two nephews: Rodney and John.

            Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, September 15, 2018, at the Grace Community Church in Osage with the Rev. Paul McKibben officiating.  Sharon McKibben will be the soloist and will sing, “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden”.  The casket bearers will be: Andrew Peterson, Bard Shofner, Jim Cihon, Tony Leitner, Mike Shofner, Jacob Juetten, Natalie Shofner, Alex Shofner, Adam Shofner, and Frankie Peterson.  Interment will be made in the Riverside Cemetery at Osage.  Military honors will be conducted by the Star Of The North Marine Corps League.  Visitation will be held at the church on Friday evening, September 14 from 5 to 8 PM and will continue beginning one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  Following the service, there will be a picnic in the Lions Park at Osage. 

To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com