Howard Wayne Lindberg, 78, passed away Aug. 8, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 30, 1944, in Great Bend, to Ernest and Lucile (Weathers) Lindberg. He married Karen (Rinker) Lindholm on Nov. 6, 1986, in Great Bend.
At the age of nine, Howard and his brother Jerry were the first of three in Great Bend to get polio in the early 1950’s. In high school he worked for Robert Weaver at his Veterinary Clinic and summers working with his Uncle Elmo Weathers on the farm. Howard attended Hutchinson Community College and graduated from Fort Hays State University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in 1966. He moved to Emporia, working for Hershel Shepherd, an old Army buddy of his Dad’s, first in the office at S & S Oil and Propane and then at the family-owned Admire State Bank. He was Personnel Officer for the City of Emporia for 7.5 years before moving back to Great Bend. In Great Bend, Howard was City Clerk (1979 – 1985), and also worked at CPI and as the Oil/Gas Appraiser for Barton County before retiring in June of 2010. In retirement, he worked part-time as a driver for Sunflower Diversified Services.
Howard was an active member of the Great Bend Optimist Club, Lake Barton Golf Club and Barton County Historical Society. He was a former President of the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association of Kansas and former Director of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He loved to golf and enjoyed spending time with family. Howard organized the Lindberg cousins’ reunions and was proud of his family’s Swedish heritage. A trip of a lifetime was a cruise with Karen and several cousins to Alaska in 2012.
Survivors include, his wife, Karen Lindberg of the home; a son, Aron Lindberg of Great Bend; a daughter, Shawna Walker and husband Rodney of Pratt; two stepsons, Greg Lindholm and wife Tamara of McPherson and Doug Lindholm and wife Gina of Thornton, Colo.; a sister, Nancy Lindberg of Topeka; three grandchildren, Taylor Lindberg, Hunter Walker (Destiny) and Conner Walker; and five step-grandchildren, Aden Lindholm (Asha), Anna van Asselt (Kerrick), Chris Lindholm (Anna), Josh Lindholm (Abbey) and Nick Lindholm. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Lindberg; and step-daughter-in-law, Keri Lindholm.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Graveside memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, at Great Bend Cemetery, Great Bend, with the Reverend Kathleen Luke presiding.
Memorials have been designated to the Great Bend Optimist Club, Barton County Historical Society or Meals on Wheels of Barton County in care of Bryant Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net. Arrangements by Bryant Funeral Home 1425 Patton Road Great Bend, Kansas 67530.