Howard Elmer

Barfknecht

Obituary

Howard Elmer Barfknecht, 95, of Chula passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at his residence. A private service and burial will be held for Mr. Barfknecht at a later date.

Born March 30, 1924 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mr. Barfknecht was the son of the late Elmer Barfknecht and Elizabeth Hansen Barfknecht. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Johnson; one son, David Barfknecht; one daughter, Heidi Lea Kachel; one grandson, Rory Barfknecht; and one granddaughter, Jillian Pless. He received a Masters degree in Music from the Minnepolis College of Music and conducted the high school band and choir. Before retiring, he taught grades 1-12 and some junior college. He served in the Infantry in the South Pacific and earned a Purple Heart in the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. He was a member of the Purple Heart Society, the VFW and had been a Mason since 1946. He was a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Belle Plain, Minnesota, where he directed the church choir.

Howard was an avid animal lover all his life with a special fondness for cats. He was fiercely patriotic to the United States of America and all branches of the military. He was well-known in Belle Plaine and Le Center, Minnesota for singing at weddings and funerals. His favorite songs to sing were The Lord's Prayer and Ave Maria.

Mr. Barfknecht is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Melody Ann and John Wake of Chula; his grandchildren, Stacey Reber and husband Rick, Todd Boettcher, Brent Boettcher, Michael Herrick, Mark Herrick, Gabrielle James and husband, Jesse, Stephanie Pless, Nicole Barfknecht and Tabitha Barfknecht; and eleven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank Affinis Hospice of Tifton for their expert care; all employees of Ed's Truck Stop in Poulan and all employees of Poulan City Hall and Police Department for their kindness and respect shown toward Mr. Barfknecht; his special neighbor, Junior Lewis of Poulan for all his help through the years; and Ms. Peggy at Ford Insurance Company of Sylvester for all her help through the years.