Howard James Kjeldgaard

Howard James Kjeldgaard went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug 29, 2022, after a long illness. He was one of ten children born to Danish immigrants Christian and Laura (Hald) Kjeldgaard on January 14, 1934. The family lived in the Defiance area. After graduation from high school, he served in the Army during the Korean War era. Early jobs included working on the loading docks of Jobber Canyon in Omaha and welding grain bins for Eaton Metal. After returning to school and earning his degree, he worked at the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a television engineer. He was at UNO for a total of 47 years, retiring and then returning to work part-time at UNO television and also at UNO’s Air Force ROTC Detachment.

Howard enjoyed traveling - vacationing around the United States as well as 20 international destinations and many cruises. Skilled in the building trades, he enjoyed renovating old houses, a hobby he and his wife turned into a small side business. They also opened their home as a host family for a total of 8 foreign exchange students studying at UNO. He enjoyed gardening, small-scale acreage farming, cheering for Nebraska AND Iowa football games, UNO hockey, playing cards and cribbage, and in his later years, watching the Golden Girls.

Although he was unable to attend church after Covid and his long illness, he was a man of great faith and loved the Lord Jesus dearly. He modeled his faith in his everyday living, always willing to help both friend and strangers in need. Mild-mannered and warm-hearted, with a quiet inner strength, he was an inspiration to those who knew and loved him. He truly made the world a better place.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary, celebrating 37 years of marriage; daughters Julie Maguire (husband Russ), Elisabeth Kissel (husband Mike), sons Joseph Lozer, Anthony Loser (wife Brenda) and Christian Kjeldgaard, as well as 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by parents Christian and Laura; brothers Junior, Charles, and Kenneth; sisters Cate Kjeldgaard, Joan Mollohan, Betty Rongish, Sonya Pitt, Myrna Gonzalez, Eva May Graham; son Kevin (surviving spouse Dee), infant son Brian and former spouse Ellen.

A visitation for Howard will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Westlawn/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM.

Howard will be laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St..

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westlawnhillcrest.com for the Kjeldgaard family.