Surnames: Dennis, Evans, Franklin, Hause, Kreft, Kusiak, Whaples

----Source: The Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., WI), Vol. 48, No. 42, Wednesday, October 8, 2008, page 16

Whaples, Howard L. (December 11, 1925 - October 6, 2008)

Howard L. Whaples, 82, Abbotsford, died Monday, October 6, 2008 at the InnCare of Abbotsford after a lengthy bout of Parkinson’s disease.

Howard was born in Marshfield on December 11, 1925 the son of Carroll and Bessie (Hause) Whaples.

Howard grew up in Arpin and attended Arpin Grade School. He graduated from Marshfield High School. Upon Graduation Howard entered the US Army, serving in Japan.

After an honorable discharge from the Army he was employed at the Wisconsin Power and Light Company for a short time and then went into banking, working at Peoples State Bank of Arpin and Vesper. In 1972, Howard joined the Auburndale Bank, serving as CEO for many years, at which time he also operated the banks insurance agency.

At the conclusion of his banking years he moved to Phillips and worked as an insurance agent for the Wenzel Insurance Agency until 1985 when he moved to Abbotsford and was employed in insurance. Howard joined the Stock-Anderson Agency in Colby which later was purchased by Sally Kreft.

Howard and Sally were married in 1987 and together they owned and operated the Anderson-Kreft Agency until retirement in 1996.

Howard was in his 30’s when he joined the Lions Organization. Howard was the first District Governor of 27-C1 in 1969-1970. As a Lions member he served as president for the Arpin, Vesper, Phillips and Abbotsford Lion Clubs, as well as serving as a Zone Chairman and was on the National Convention Committee. Howard received the Lion’s Melvin Jones Award. He attended many state conventions until his health prevented him from attending. In March of 2005, Howard received the Presidential Certificate of Achievement from International President, Clem Kusiak. This Certificate confirms the recognition of distinguished achievement in leadership and service to Lionism for more than 40 years.

Howard was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Abbotsford, Abbotsford Lions, Colby VFW and Arpin American Legion. Howard enjoyed sports, playing on the baseball team in his high school years. He was an avid musky fisherman and enjoyed hunting, bowling, playing cards, and golfing playing in numerous insurance tournaments.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sally, Abbotsford; daughters, Cindy (Paul) Dennis, Milwaukee, and Judy Evans, Nekoosa; stepsons, Claude (Sue) Kreft, Athens, Glen (Florence) Kreft, Marathon, Gary (Sharon) Kreft, Athens; 10 step-grandchildren and 14 step-great-grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and twin brothers at birth.

Funeral services for Howard will be Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Abbotsford, Wis. Father Benjamin Franklin will preside. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home, Abbotsford and one hour before services at church on Saturday. There will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home Abbotsford, Wis.

Donation can be give to the Lion’s Camp in Rosholt.

Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Paid obituary 42-87986