Howard Francis Wilkins II, 80

Howard F. Wilkins Jr., a third generation and Montana native, died on Feb. 19, 2021. He was 80.

Howard was born April 15, 1940, and raised in Helena, and resided in Kalispell for the last 21 years. He studied at Munich, Germany, and U.C. Berkeley in optometry.

He is survived by Karen, his wife of 27 years; his sons Chip, David, Michael and Paul; daughters Melanie, Kristin and Emily; 25 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother James of Helena.

Howard was preceded in death by his brother Thomas, and parents Howard and Lillian.

Howard was an exceptional entrepreneur and founded and served on many corporate boards. He could light up a room with his outgoing personality and storytelling. At Howard's core was his family and Catholic faith. His devotion to Catholicism guided him in all he did, and he always wanted to help those in need. He cherished family gatherings, and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 12:45 p.m. and rosary said on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Kalispell. Burial will be at St. Richard Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, the family requests donations be made to either Special Needs Trust of Issac Conrad Wilkins, which is Howard’s special needs grandchild with Downs Syndrome at 804-475-8500; or Farm Hands Nourish the Flathead.