Howard J. “Howie” Anderson
December 26, 1940 – March 15, 2025
Howie passed away peacefully with his beloved daughter, Jennifer and son, Jeff by his side on Saturday, March 15th. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sharon; radiant daughter, Katrina Wright; and parents, Elizabeth A. and Clarence A. He is survived by and will be profoundly missed by daughter, Jennifer Sanford and husband, Dave; son, Jeff Anderson and wife, Cortney; grandchildren: Alex (Chelsea), Brittany, Jonathan (Lauren), Katie, Jenny (Emily), Chase, and Cooper; great-grandchildren: Rowan, Rylee, Callahan, Andi, and Henry; brother-in-law, Jeff and wife, Barbara; and cousin, Don and wife, Patsy.
Howie was a devoted Father and a true Renaissance man. His genuine personality, quick wit, and generous heart meant he never met a stranger. To know Howie was to love him. He was always ready to share a drink, a cigar, and a great story. He embodied compassion and showed true kindness to every human and animal he met.
Born and raised in Council Bluffs, he graduated in 1960 from Thomas Jefferson High School, where he was a phenomenal athlete, earning accolades in both Football and Basketball. After high school, he decided, among other jobs, to pursue a career in music. He played with numerous bands, including The Fortés and Andy & The Manhattans, and even opened for the Beach Boys. The pinnacle of his music career was being inducted into the Iowa Rock’ n Roll Hall of Fame.
After music, he pursued a career in advertising, which introduced him to the love of his life, Sharon. They met while working at WOW. He would go on to launch his own Company, Howard Anderson Company. He ran his own advertising company for decades until he transitioned it into another passion, a cigar distribution company.
You could catch him on a boat or at the Golf course in his free time with a scotch or cigar. As an avid fisherman, he was a longtime member and former President of the Husker Bass Club. He won the coveted title of “Mr. Bass” too many times to mention, as well as a slew of other fishing awards. He shared this love with friends and family, taking frequent trips to Canada, Smithville, Truman, and Taneycomo.
He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and connection. We will never forget the life, the laughter, and the love that he shared so generously with us all. Our only solace is knowing that he is now dancing in heaven with his beloved Sharon.
There will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE on Saturday, March 29, from 1:00 to 4:00PM at Champions Run, 13800 Eagle Run Dr., Omaha, NE 68164.
PRIVATE GRAVESIDE SERVICE AND INTERMENT: Westlawn- Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please direct Memorials to Ollie Webb Center, Inc. and The Nebraska Humane Society.
Heafey–Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
9 Comments
Howie was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many. RIP my friend.
It’s hard to explain how much Howie will be missed. Best friend for many years, we shared some great times and adventures together. Til we meet again…
Condolences to the family & friends. Howie was a very special friend to Ronnie & I. After Ronnie passed, Howie was so good to constantly keep in touch with me. We always loved sharing new recipes. And telling each other the latest news of our feline friends. Remembering all the good times, Ronnie, Howie & I had on both our decks, preparing good food while they enjoyed their drink of choice along with cigars. Howie would laugh as he served me my favorite drink…water. Ronnie would say I was a cheap date. I would answer back …I am the designated driver. Then they both would laugh. Howie would always let me know when he was heading out to go to a fishing tournament. We would discuss the food he was taking to the cabin. He loved fishing. He loved life. He loved people . I will miss my dear friend but know he is in a better place with those that have gone before him. Ronnie will have a joke or two to tell him. Farewell dear friend. Know you where loved.
Howie was such a wonderful man. I have such fond memories of him and Sharon. My dad loved him so much! WOWT buddies, they always had great times, they did love their scotch and telling “lies”! I am so glad he came the morning my dad passed. He was like an angel sent by God on that day! What a funny, caring, and the absolute kindest and sweetest soul. I enjoyed our dinner this last year. He will be missed. My love to Jennifer and family.🤍
It was a sad day when I heard Howie had passed. His love for life was great. He will be missed. Godspeed my friend
Howie was one of the best men I knew.. I’m so sorry!
So sorry to hear about the passing of Howie. I have so many great memories of him and Sharon and the so radiant and beautiful daughter Kit! I miss Kit so much and also Howie and Sharon!
May they all RIP. They were all so special and are all together now.
Prayers and thoughts to Jennifer and Jeff and all of your family.
Bobby Mancuso
I worked with Howie for many years! He was the sweetest gentleman, and always had a great story or tale to tell! He and his fishing buddy were both clients of mine for many years. RIP Dear Sir. You are reunited with your loved one that went before. Prayers to your families for peace.
Just learned of Howie’s passing. I last saw him at Ken Conaway’s house in CB. I played recreation basketball for Pizza Hut with him along with Tom Maines and Skip Schmidt. Hunting stories about him are special memories. He was a kind soul.
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