Howard Sell

Howard Sell, 82, of Columbia Falls, died at his farm on Aug. 2, 2014.

He was born March 28, 1932, in Winner, S.D. His parents, Henry and Theresa, owned a ranch near Mission, S.D., where Howard grew up with his sister and three brothers.

Howard enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1952 and was honorably discharged 1955. While in the Marines, he trained as a marine diesel mechanic and was stationed in San Diego. After leaving the service, Howard returned to South Dakota and operated a ranch there for many years.

He married Ann Randolph Sneed in 1965 and they moved to Columbia Falls in 1969.  

Howard was a lifelong Mason. He worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company as an ironworker from 1972 to 1997, when he retired.

He was a big, caring man and will always be remembered for his work ethic and generosity to others. Howard’s pride and joy was his postcard-pretty farm on Columbia Falls Stage Road.  

Howard was preceded in death by his brother Gerald Sell.

He is survived by his son Timothy Sell, of Sausalito, Calif.; daughter Kristie Sell-Gullufsen and husband Patrick Gullufsen, of Juneau, Alaska; sister Delores Holmes, of Winner; brother Donald Sell, of Grants Pass, Ore.; and brother Gary Sell, of Springview, S.D.  

A celebration of life for Howard will be held at Columbia Mortuary, in Columbia Falls, on Saturday, Aug. 9, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to a Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of choice.