Howard Dean Lenius was born April 12, 1934 on the family farm in Marshall County, SD. He attended country school until the 8th grade and then began helping his father with farming. Their farm work was still done by the use of horses and gave Howard an appreciation for horses and hard work. In 1955 he began working for Marshall County building roads. Over his 48 years of county work he helped build well over 100 miles of roads, operated the first motor scraper and ran the dozer and maintainer well into his 80s. He retired in 2003 but never lost interest and would often be known to keep an eye on road projects in the area.

During those years working for the county, although it was often working 6 days a week, he also worked alongside his son, Lyle, with Howard Lenius Construction. He treasured that time working alongside his son and doing something they both had a passion for – a fifty year long business that brought a lifetime of memories.

On May 28, 1955 Howard married Edith “Dolly” Hair. They made their home in Britton and raised their three children. He and Dolly enjoyed trips together and were frequent fliers at the casinos. Howard loved playing cards, some of his favorites being poker and pinochle. He used to joke that he lived for the Rutland Pinochle tournament every year. His love of playing cards brought him many friendships as he loved socializing. Those friendships came in all ages as Howard never met a stranger.

He worked hard, and oftentimes work came first, but he loved his family. He was a devoted husband, a good father and proud grandpa. He loved any time he got to spend with his family. Dolly passed away in October of 2021 and he is now reunited with her again.

Howard passed away Monday, April 27. 2026 at Avera St. Lukes in Aberdeen at the age of 92.

He is survived by his children: Cindy (Tim Schwaller) Lenius of Sioux Falls, SD, Lisa Hinman of Sioux Falls, and Lyle (Julie) Lenius of Britton; seven grandchildren: Holly, Robert, Brittany, Aaron, Kelsey, Lindsey and Nathan; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley (Gloria) Lenius of Pierre; sisters-inlaw, Sharon Hair of Denver, CO and Pat Hair of Lincoln, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death is his wife, Dolly; his parents, Richard and Hilda Lenius; and three sisters; Evelyn Bowman, Marcella Jenkins and Dorothy Locke.

Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Lyle Lenius – PO Box 581 – Britton, SD 57430.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www. olsonfuneralchapel.com