Howard Charles Trostem, 71, passed away on Sunday evening, March 2, 2008, at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea.

Funeral services will be held Friday at Our Savior&8217;s Lutheran Church in Kiester at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dick Steffen will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday evening at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells from 5 to 7 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Our Savior&8217;s Lutheran Cemetery in Kiester.

Howard C. Trostem was born April 10, 1937, in Mason City, Iowa, to Helmer and Clara (Olson) Trostem. He was a member of Our Savior&8217;s Lutheran Church in Keister and was confirmed in the Lutheran Faith. He was a graduate of Kiester High School. In 1961, he married Anita Rae (Downs). Howard grew up in Kiester and returned in 1974 to farm and live on the family century farm.

Howard was a proud Teamster member and drove truck for Ulland Brothers Construction from which he retired after 36 years. He and Anita together also owned and operated &8220;The Eat Shoppe&8221; in Kiester for 12 years during that time. After retirement they enjoyed being snowbirds to Arizona for the past 15 years. Howard was an avid NASCAR race fan and even raced stock cars himself from 1955 to 1961 at local tracks in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. He enjoyed camping and cooking breakfasts for his family and friends. A member of the Gopher Hawkeye Association for over 20 years, Howard was also an active helper at the Farming of Yesteryear site and show. Howard loved the times he could spend with his family and grandchildren.

Howard is survived by his wife, Anita of Kiester; one son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Lori Trostem of Blooming Prairie; grandchildren, Nicole Trostem and fianc/ Billy Cordes of Austin, and Adam Trostem and fiance/ Jennifer Plemel of Blooming Prairie; nieces, nephews, cousins; sisters-in-law; and a brother-in-law.

His parents and one sister, Opal, preceded him in death.