Howard Grom

Howard Grom, age 67, of Atwater, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, December 1, at his home in Atwater.

Per Howard's request, the family will hold a private celebration of his life and his friend, Rob, will bring him back to the Aleutian Islands to help him to his final resting place.

Howard William Grom was born August 14, 1948, in Monticello, Iowa, to Donald and Ruth (Clark) Grom. He was known as a hard worker, working on his family farm as a child. He joined the Marines at age 17 and served his country in three tours in Vietnam and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After his discharge from the Marines in 1978, he drove truck and then embarked on his new career as an Assistant Engineer for U.S. Steel, sailing the Great Lakes and then for Trident out of Washington to Alaska.

Howard enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, collecting guns, and telling stories. He loved sharing his interests with his children and grandchildren. He was married twice and divorced. Carol Grom and Linda McCallum remained part of his life, sharing his love of their children and grandchildren. His other love was his dogs. He had a limited need for many names; if it was a Pomeranian it was Pogo, or Brandy for a Cocker Spaniel, among other dogs. The current Pogo was his companion for the last 8 years and was always by his side.

Howard is survived by his children: Shannon (and Greg) Heldt of Rochester, Shane (and Eden) Grom of St. Cloud, Sabrina Grom of Lakefield, and Jason Grom of Atwater; five grandchildren: Avery Heldt, Tearza Brewer, Matthew Heldt, Arabella Grom, and Cordelia Grom; his mother, Ruth Grom of Rock Valley, IA, formerly of Spicer; his ex-wives, Carol and Linda; a brother, Phil (and Diane) Grom of Rock Valley, IA and their children; sister-in-law, Wanda and her children; his dog, Pogo; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Grom; a brother, Mike Grom; and Mike and Wanda's children, Sonja and Jeremiah Grom.