Howard Elmer Dresen

Howard Elmer Dresen was born in Yuma, Colorado, on June 6, 1947, to Elmer William (Bill) and Norma Jean (Hubbard) Dresen. He passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, in Yuma. As the second of six children, Howard grew up on the family farm located south of Yuma. Being the oldest boy came with many responsibilities, including farm chores, feeding livestock, and hunting for food on horseback of Ol’ Slim to provide for the family. He also skinned and sold coyote and rabbit hides, chopped wood for heating, tended to fields and gardens, and took on various labor-intensive tasks typical of that era. 

In October 1965, Howard married Violet Minnie Korf, and together they welcomed three beloved children: Kevin Lynn, Kimberly Ann, and Kristopher Ryan Dresen. The family remained close-knit, with all the children born and raised in Yuma, attending local schools. 

Howard was skilled in many trades and worked for Shop-All during the early years of his marriage to Violet. He was a talented carpet layer and worked with his dad, brothers, and sons to carpet many homes, churches, and businesses in the area. He also farmed and ranched for Ralph Anderson before establishing a busy meat packing business that he took great pride in, eagerly sharing the craft with his family. After years in the meat packing industry, Howard transitioned to a family business, selling and working on Alkota pressure washers at Rocky Mountain Cleaning Systems for 30 years. In this role, he connected with many people across Colorado and the surrounding states, maintaining those friendships right up until his passing. 

Howard found joy in the simple pleasures of life—hunting, boating, fishing, playing fastpitch softball, and watching sports. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, particularly during sporting events, fishing trips, and birthday celebrations. An avid pinochle player, Howard spent countless hours at holiday and family gatherings playing cards, leading to spirited competitions that sometimes made the younger children giggle and leave the room. More than anything, these gatherings brought laughter and companionship that he valued deeply. Some of Howard’s fondest memories were made while speeding across fields in search of coyotes or cruising the country roads looking for deer, pheasants, antelope, and doves.  He owned and trained greyhounds for hunting coyotes, and he spent many early mornings tracking them—an adrenaline rush he loved to share with his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and friends. He also enjoyed an occasional camping trip in the mountains in search of a prize elk.  He went on several South Dakota fishing trips with his sons which proved to bring home an abundance of walleye for many fish fries. His humor and stories were abundant, often too colorful for family gatherings, but they always brought joy to those around him.  

Howard met Carla Jo Arthur in Yuma, first as friends, but later it blossomed into a loving relationship. Together, they shared nearly 30 blissful years filled with adventures, including fishing trips to various lakes in Colorado and Nebraska, company outings to Las Vegas and Deadwood, a memorable trip to Branson, MO, and occasional weekends in Blackhawk for some gambling. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren; just asking him about them would light up his face. He loved taking them on hunting and fishing adventures, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and joy. 

Later in life, as retirement approached, Howard continued to enjoy visiting the shop and engaging in work he cherished. He stayed connected with friends and family throughout the day and kept up with local events, and was often seen driving his bright red Dodge pickup around Yuma listening and singing along to old country music. Howard lived a colorful life, fulfilled by his experiences and the love of his family. 

He is survived by his son Kevin Dresen and wife Rachel, along with their children Kevin Jr. and Vivian; daughter Kimberly (Dresen) Langley and husband Jeff, and their daughter Avery; son Kristopher Dresen and wife Andrea, along with their children Tucker and Presley; siblings Velda Josh, Shirley Koehler, David Dresen, Robert Dresen, and Donna (David) Brown; stepson  Coty Arthur and family; as well as many other nephews, nieces, family, and lifelong friends. 

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer William (Bill) and Norma Dresen, and his wife Carla. 

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 4th, at 10:30 a.m. at the Methodist Church in Yuma, Colorado. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Howard’s life and share cherished memories. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.