Howard H. Ahrenholtz

Howard Henry Ahrenholtz was born October 21, 1927, the son of Louis and Irene Quathamer Ahrenholtz. He died Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at the age of eighty-nine.
Howard was born on a farm near Manilla, Iowa. He attended the Defiance Public School and graduated in 1944, at the age of 16. Upon the completion of his education he purchased his first tractor, a John Deere A, and began farming with his brothers and parents.
Howard met Lois Lucille Christiansen at the Denison Roller Skating Rink and they were married on March 7, 1948. The couple settled on a farm near Defiance, Iowa. They were blessed with five children; Russell, Randall, Eugene, Julia and Joni.
Howard enjoyed family gatherings, hosting family reunions, and traveling with his wife Lois. Howard and his brothers had a unique ability to harmonize and they sang for many church events throughout the years. Howard served as an elder of Zion Lutheran Church of Denison.
Howard maintained a strong interest in new ideas and research in agriculture. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to be involved in custom harvesting of wheat and barley, establishing hog confinements, and raising breeding stock. In the late 1970's Howard, Russell and Randall launched the Ahrenholtz Seed Company, specializing in soy bean and corn seed genetics. Howard and his son Randall remained passionate about the Ahrenholtz Seed operation throughout the rest of Howard’s life.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois; one daughter, Julia Rosa; two brothers, Harry and Harold; and one sister, Aletha. Survivors include: three sons: Russell and his wife, Marcia; Randall and his wife, Lisa; Eugene and his wife, Sandy ; one daughter, Joni Ahrenholtz ; fifteen grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew, Luke, Zachary, Jessica, Justin, Sara, Brooke, Travis, Amber, Brandon, Briana, Tyler, Devon, and Arielle; eleven great-grandchildren: Emma, Isabella, Cade, Alicia, Ava, Dylan, Zane, Madelyn, Gianna, Raelynn and Amya; one sister, Betty Lou; two brothers; William and his wife, Louise; and Richard; many other relatives and friends.