Howard Arthur Lenius, 86, of Independence, and formerly of Cedar Falls, passed away on Friday December 11, 2015 at ABCM Rehabilitation in Independence.  Private graveside services will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein.

Howard was born in Oelwein on February 27, 1929 to parents Arthur and Izelle (Lahner) Lenius.  He graduated from Oelwein Senior High School.  On March 1, 1948 he was united in marriage with Delores Strawn, they later divorced.  On November 20, 1972 he was united in marriage with Margaret “Maggie” Kies.  Howard owned and operated a milk route where he worked for the Wapsie Valley Creamery and later for the Jesup Creamery.  After selling the route, he was employed with John Deere until his retirement.  Howard was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Left to celebrate Howard’s life are his sons: Michael (Julie) Lenius of Independence and Marc Lenius of Waterloo; his step-daughter Ann Marie (Kenneth) Loeb of Jesup and his step-son Michael (Paula) Kies of Jesup; his 2 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 10 step-great grandchildren.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Maggie on December 30, 2014.