Howard William Belden

Howard William Belden was born February 4, 1913 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the son of Frank Lester and Eva Lena (Kersey) Belden. Howard was raised and educated in Spirit Lake, graduating from Spirit Lake High School. He enlisted in the US Navy on March 7, 1942, serving during WWII, until receiving an Honorable Discharge on October 23, 1945. While in the Navy, Howard served as a diesel mechanic on a submarine and was stationed in Hawaii and San Diego. On June 15, 1941, Howard was united in marriage to Laverne Kaiser. The couple made their home in Spirit Lake, where they raised their family. Howard worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company in Spirit Lake for forty-four years as a refrigeration mechanic. Howard was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spirit Lake. He was also a member of the American Legion. Howard enjoyed woodworking. Howard passed away Monday, April 27, 2009 at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake at ninety-six years of age. He was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne Belden, son, Scott Howard Belden, brother, Edward Belden and sister Beulah Blitsch. Surviving are his daughter, Sheryl Bewyer (David) of Cedar Falls; son, Craig A. Belden (Melanie) of West Des Moines; daughter-in-law, Myrna Belden of Waverly. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.