Steven Richard Howlett

Steve “Pacrat” Howlett, 73, of Wadena, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, 2026 from 12:00 to 4:00 P.M. at the family home at 415 3rd Street S.E. in Wadena, MN. 

Steven Richard Howlett was born on March 24, 1953, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of John and Mildred (Duren) Howlett. He was raised in St. Paul alongside his nine siblings and attended St. Paul Park High School. Steve began working at a young age, plucking chickens in St. Paul, where he discovered an interest in welding. That interest led him to FMC Technologies in Fridley, Minnesota, where he learned the trade and built a career spanning 20 years. During his time there, he earned his Journeyman card through dedicated coursework and hands-on experience and attention to fine detail.

In 1971, Steve was united in marriage to Cindy Keehn. Though their marriage did not last as long as they had hoped, they were blessed with a daughter, Shannon. Together they made their home in Stacy and later St. Paul Park, Minnesota.

On November 20, 1980, Steve was united in marriage to Wynne Marie Rousu in Hastings, Minnesota. Following his time at FMC Technologies (now United Defense), Steve took his skills in a new direction, completing various welding jobs and spending time working at Royal Concrete. He retired in 2008 due to injury. Over the years, Steve and Wynne were blessed with two sons, Randy and Timothy. Their family lived in St. Paul Park, St. Paul, North Branch, and Harris before making their home in Wadena in 2023.

Steve had a deep love for the outdoors and a passion for working with his hands. He found joy in riding his Harley-Davidson, hunting in his younger years, fishing, camping, and planting trees—fruit trees being a favorite. He had a natural talent for welding, refurbishing furniture, and woodworking, and he took great pride in the craftsmanship he brought into his home, including redoing windows and flooring. He also enjoyed cooking, and his spaghetti was a well-known family favorite. Above all, Steve loved his family, his friends, and his Harley.

Those left to honor Steve’s memory include his wife, Wynne Howlett of Wadena; his daughter, Shannon (Todd) Kohout of Woodbury, Minnesota; his sons, Randy (Erin) Howlett of West St. Paul, Minnesota, and Timothy (fiancée, Anna) Howlett of Wadena, Minnesota; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; his siblings, Nancy (Skipper) McNeil, Debbie Walker, Diane (Dave) Borash, John (Gerry) Howlett, and Joel (Milah) Howlett; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Howlett; a granddaughter, Katelyn Howlett; and his siblings, Kathy, Jim, Gregory, and Beth.

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