Fremont, NH – Dennis Ray Howland, 73, of Fremont, NH passed peacefully with his loving wife, Mary, at his side on Saturday, February 26, 2022. He was born in Chicago, IL, grew up in Mundelein, IL and attended the University of Illinois for his electrical engineering degree and then Northeastern University for his MSEE and MBA degrees. Dennis’ engineering career began at Raytheon Missile Systems in Bedford, MA and he retired from Agfa/Compugraphic in Wilmington, MA doing business development for printing technology. Dennis was also in the Marine Reserves.
Dennis lived his life to the fullest, even with Multiple Myeloma for the last 8 years. He and Mary enjoyed traveling, skiing, golfing, going to drum and bugle corps competitions, hiking, and taking in the beauty of their local woods. They loved watching the birds visit the feeders in their yard. Dennis was an avid gardener and shared the bounty with friends by baking and cooking good food. He had many skills and always offered a helping hand. He was a self-taught woodworker, assisted in developing and maintaining trails for the local town forests, and volunteered within the community.
In addition to his wife, Mary Kaltenbach, Dennis is survived by his sisters Debra (Steven) Barth and Donna Lorch of IL, nieces Erin (John) Bryant and her girls Olivia and Makenna of IL, Emily Lorch and Madeline Lorch of IN and uncle Carl Robinson of IL as well as numerous relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold Howland and Mildred Holden, second dad George (Bill) Holden, aunts Cheryl Cummings and Myrtle Froid, brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Lorch and nephew Michael Lampi. Dennis’ enthusiasm, love of life, and sharing of his experiences with others will be greatly missed. His family wants to thank all the nurses, assistants and staff at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, NH for their outstanding care and patience during Dennis’ stay there. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Town of Fremont’s Conservation Commission (P.O. Box 120, Fremont, NH 03044) or a cancer charity of your choice. A celebration of Dennis’ life will be held in the Spring.
Debra Barth says
Thanks for always being there for me. Will miss you so very much. Glad you are no longer in pain
Joel and Cheryl Whited says
Our deepest sympathies, Mary, for you and your family.
Christina Deeley says
Thinking of you all. Dennis was such a kind and caring person. May your memories bring you comfort.
Christina and Family
Bill Knee says
It is with a saddened heart but fond memories that we receive the news of Dennis’s passing. Our heart felt prayers for those he leaves behind. He will be much missed by all that knew him.
Maria and Bill
Joyce Kimball says
Mary, I am so sorry. I know you and Dennis put up a good fight and I so glad that you were able to travel and enjoy other life pleasures over the last several years and you know have those and many other memories I’m sure to savor. Bless you.
Rose & Joseph Parisi says
Very sorry for your loss Mary. You and your family are in out thoughts and prayers.
Stan and Susan Almon says
We will truly miss the colorful humor, travel experiences, wisdom, and leadership Dennis provided in our walks and work in the Fremont Town Forrest’s. I can not see a time when I will ever not feel a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes whenever walking the woods again.
Jack Karcz says
Sorry for your loss. We’ll all miss this good man but will remember our experiences of interacting with him.
butch Hembree says
Our deepest sympathies, Mary, for you and your family.
Doug Drenzek says
It’s been a pleasure having you in my life Uncle Dennis. I’m very glad we were able to visit with you last weekend and spend some time. I am glad you are at peace and no longer suffering.
James Waterman says
My deepest sympathies for you and your family.
Larry Miner says
Sorry for your loss. Dennis was always they to lend a hand on an ear to listen.
Cindy Crane says
I am so sad to hear of Dennis’s passing. He was such a wonderful help to the town of Fremont. My condolences to all of his family.
Ann Martinelli says
You were such a big part of my life growing up, Dennis. You and Mary got to enjoy your lives through your travels and time spent with family and friends. Thank you for treating my sister like a queen; you are, without a doubt, her king.
Ann (Kaltenbach) and Bob Martinelli
Rich and Helen Dettore says
Mary, we loved our stay in Fremont last August and had a wonderful time. Big D was so sharp as we recalled times from our past. Reliving them will be memories we hold onto forever. Especially our trip to Pickitty Place. I only have one best friend from CG decade and he is now gone. Dennis, I look forward to teeing off in heaven one day. Love you .
Tim Griffin says
My condolences to Mary, Debra and Donna. I will allways cherish the memories of Dennis as a great roommate and an even better friend with a kind and generous disposition. I-L-L!
Sam Harris says
I don’t know what to say about somebody who was such a great friend to many, including myself. I loved hiking in the woods with him, maintaining our trails in Fremont, installing the bridges he designed and built, enjoying his corny jokes that he never ran out of and just talking to him in general. He was a terrific man and a great friend. I miss you so much already. He also was a great cook.
Joli Leas Victoria says
Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Dennis’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cecile Baranowski says
So sorry about this sad news of Dennis’ passing. I have so many good memories of Dennis. He was always available to help the Garden Club with set-ups and other duties. I will never forget being on the same flight returning from Madrid to Boston and surprised to sit near by Dennis and Mary. Yes, a wonderful person and a great cook. Mary you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Zawojski says
Mary, I’m so sorry to learn of Dennis’ passing. He was a colleague, mentor and friend spanning four decades. I will always cherish the memories of his humor, insight and sage advice. My condolences to you and your family.
Matthew Thomas says
Fremont has lost a truly dedicated and devoted friend and servant! Dennis’ wisdom, intelligence, hard work ethic, determination , organizational skills and cheerfulness were a great asset in all the positions he held over many years here in town. Our deepest sympathy to Mary, family & friends. Thanks for being a good friend to so many .
Bob Kaltenbach and Kaline Torres says
Dennis was so very generous with his time and never was too busy to help out with tasks I couldn’t do myself. He was an outstanding husband to my sister Mary and his loss will be felt for years. I am proud to say he was my brother-in-law. Peace.
Harry Morgan says
I have known Dennis since 1972. We served together in the Marine Corps Reserve, in the same section. In all the years I have known him, he always remained his own affable self. He never changed. Good-bye good buddy. Semper Fi!
Donna says
Mary, thank you for being such a wonderful (and patient!) wife! Dennis was so lucky to have shared his life with you. He was also the best big brother and we miss him so much. He took care of his entire family and was so giving of his love, time, advice and wisdom. Our hearts break for you both. 💔
The Lundquist Family says
Dennis was such a warm, caring and special person. It is always the hardest for those who loved him that are left behind. Hold on to all the memories and special times you have had with him and know I am sure he is at peace. ❤️
Judy Rizzo says
Dear Mary, we are so very sorry about the passing of Dennis, he was very loved by us as are you. Christmas time will never be the same and we will miss the care package of cookies, ha ha. He was like a big brother to me when mine passed away. I will always remember how knowledge he was, and I will miss the stories he always had to tell. Once again we are sorry for your loss. but know that he fought a good fight and in now at peace and out of pain. Please keep in touch, as family is family . Love ya .