Howard Cope, 80, of Owatonna, died Thursday, September 24, 2009, at his home. Howard was born April 7, 1929, in Lebanon, Missouri, the son of Henry and Zettie (Jones) Cope. Howard was raised in Lebanon and there he attended school, graduating in 1947. He was on the high school track team and competed in state. In 1951, he entered the United States Air Force and served as part of the military police. He received his honorable discharge in 1955. Howard was united in marriage to Jeanette Ahlers in Owatonna on May 30, 1953. He worked 12 years at Jostens and then the City of Owatonna for 24 years retiring in 1991. Jeanette died on April 27, 2004. Howard enjoyed traveling the world, woodworking, cabinetry work, taking walks, hiking, backpacking and spending time outside. He is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Cope and Karen Cope both of Minneapolis; a son, James (and Nancy) Cope of Albert Lea; two grandchildren, Geoffrey and Kaitlin Cope; and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Lavern (and Shirley) Cope in Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette, his parents, a sister and four brothers. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Sunday, September 27, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Memorial service will be held Monday, September 28, 2009, at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Steele Center Cemetery, Somerset Township, with military honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church or Owatonna Senior Center. Visitation: 09/27/2009 15:00 09/27/2009 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service at the church. 09/28/2009 11:00