Howard “Howie” Verner Haataja

On the morning of December 21, 2013, Howard “Howie” Verner Haataja passed away at his residence in Sebeka, MN. He was 91 years old. Howard was born April 2, 1922 in Duluth, MN. His parents were Hilda Koskela Haataja and Carl Haataja. Howard grew up in rural Wolf Lake, MN and went to school in Wolf Lake. Howard worked at the Wolf Lake and Menahga Co-op Stores. He bought his first business, Phillips 66 gas station in Menahga, MN. He then opened Howie's Clothing, in the early 50's in Menahga. This mercantile store was a huge success and landmark in Menahga, known far and wide as the best clothing store in five counties. Howie loved music and entertaining. He first played accordion with a band called "Yellowjackets" and then played with the M & J Band. In the 50's he played every weekend in a band called "Minnesota 4" with his brother-in-law Clyde Windels and friend Harry Junes. They renamed the band "Highlighters" aka "Howie and the Highlighters". He retired from playing in bands, but not from entertaining every weekend. He played his music for local affairs, Senior Citizen's, Nursing Homes, private group affairs, and family events right up to the week of his death. Howard resided in Sebeka with his daughter, Monica (Scott) Quaschnick and his best buddy, granddaughter Mandy Quaschnick. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hilda and Carl Haataja, brothers, Wendel Haataja, Harvey and Donna Haataja, and sister Gladys Haataja Kimball and Vernon and Lila Haataja. Howard is survived by his six children, Sharon Haataja Koskela (Kenneth) of Park Rapids, MN; Peggy Fultz (Daniel) of Bagley, MN; Jan Towle of Prior Lake MN; Randy Redetzke (Penny) of Menahga MN; Monica (Scott) Quaschnick of Sebeka MN; Sonja (Justin) Day of Menahga, MN and 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; one brother Harold Haataja one sister-in-law Elaine Haataja. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013 at the First English Lutheran church in Menahga, MN with prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the First English Church in Menahga, MN. Inurnment will be at the Menahga City Cemetery in the spring Arrangements entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home, Sebeka, MN.