Howard H. Bestul
April 10, 1934 – January 10, 2021
Howard Harold Bestul passed away on Jan. 10, 2021, at home of multiple health issues.
He was born on April 10, 1934, to Harold Bestul and Anita (Winters) Bestul at home in the Town of Helvetia. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola.
Howard graduated from Iola High School in 1952 and attended Oshkosh Business School (now UW -Oshkosh) and graduated from Lumber Grading School, Memphis, Tennessee.
He worked for his father at the Bestul Sawmill as a lumber grader as well as sawmills across the state for a few years. Later he purchased the warehouse on Depot Street, Iola, and opened a lumber and coal yard, Bestul Lumber and Fuel, with his brother Jerome.
In 1961 he earned his real estate license and established Howard H. Bestul Realty, Ltd and Bestul Realty Inc. with his brother, David. Joined by his father, Harold, they purchased many of the lake properties in the area, developed them into lots and built cottages on some of the lots. In 2003 he sold Bestul Realty and went to work for as a Real Estate agent for Rural Estates Realty and later Homestead Realty, retiring in 2014 at the age of 80. Howard was also a licensed real estate appraiser.
On Nov. 3, 1956, he married Kathleen Wesley at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Iola. Together they raised three sons, Scott, Stuart, and Steven.
Howard was a member of the Waupaca County Board of Realtors, (later Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin) served a term as its president and was twice named their Realtor of the Year. He also served on their state Board of Directors.
Howard was an active member of the Iola Lions Club for over 60 years, served as its president and is a Melvin Jones award recipient. An active member of the Iola Conservation Club he served as its president, shot trap, pistol and archery, and was active with Kids Archery & Kids Fishing. He was a current member of the Iola Historical Society.
He was a life-long member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, serving on committees, council and as an usher. He worked numerous years at the Iola Car Show Conservation Club breakfasts, Iola Lions chicken fry and the Winter Carnival Norwegian suppers.
Howard was an avid hunter and fisherman, taking many trips into Canada and western U.S. with family and friends. He was a former member of the 12 Apostle’s and Iola Musky Clubs.
He enjoyed his daily coffee hours at the Crystal Cafe for many years. Howard and Kathy enjoyed traveling and visited most of the 50 states and especially enjoyed motor trips around the states with special friends, Christensen’s and Loken’s, flew to points farther away including visiting relatives in Norway. They enjoyed many years at their cottage up north.
Howard is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons Scott (Karri) Bestul, Stuart (Julie) Bestul and Steven (Cynthia) Bestul; grandchildren Eric (Amanda) Bestul, Lisa (Jason) Zimmerman, Christopher (Laine) Moe, Kelsey (Zach) Millis, Cody (Mackenzie) Bestul, Emma and Spencer Bestul. He also is survived by great-grandchildren Cameron Moe, Anders Bestul and Adalyn and Aubrey Millis; sister Janet (Elmer) Peterson and their family; former sister-in-law JoAnn (Doug) Lytle and her family; step-sister Jane Paulson and her family; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers David and Jerome Bestul, an infant brother, niece Tanya Peterson, step-mother Eleanore Bestul and step-brother Ed Paulson.
Due to Covid-19 a private funeral Service for immediate family will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 395 E. Iola St., Iola, with Pastor Alyssa Weaver officiating. For those attending, please wear a mask and observe social distancing. Howard’s service will be broadcasted on the Church Facebook Page and will also be recorded for viewing following the service on his obituary page at voiefuneralhome.com .
There will also be a public Celebration of Howard’s Life at a later date.
Burial will be in Our Savior’s Cemetery in the township of Scandinavia. Voie Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Our Savior’s Lutheran church or the charity of your choice.