Karl Howardson

Karl Laxfoss Howardson Sr, 82, of Marseilles, formerly of Seneca, passed away August 25, 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. 

He was born December 23, 1940 in Reykjavik, Iceland to Gudny Aalen Johannesdottir and Havardur Karl Reimarsson.

Karl moved to the United States from Iceland in 1959 on a work visa to pursue his citizenship and learn the language. He worked for Mayrath during high school and graduated from Mendota High School class of 1963. He
married Carol Harris in 1963 after graduation and joined the United States Army in 1964.  His daughter was born the same year. He served in Germany in the Army Signal Corps where he received his certificate as a microwave radio tech/repairman receiving an honorable DD-214 discharge in 1967.  When he returned from Germany, he received his citizenship and he worked for AT&T/IL Bell, Class 1 Switching Center in Norway, Illinois in his field of work starting in 1967. His son was born two years later in 1969.  Karl retired in 1990 after 23 years with AT&T. 

Karl loved golfing, camping, hiking, travel, swimming, gardening and grilling throughout his life. He was a member of the Icelandic Association in past years and attended many Thorrablots with his family throughout the years.

Karl is survived by his former wife and the mother of his children, Carol Bond; his daughter, Inga (Danny) Mondy of Ottawa; his son, Karl (Michelle) Howardson Jr of Seneca; his sister, Gudny "Gwyn" Laxfoss (Ivan Downs) of Ava Missouri; his brother, Kristjan "Boggi" Laxfoss of Tahuya, Washington; 3 grandchildren, DJ Mondy of Ottawa, Brittney (Jerry) Dutko of Streator & Josh Howardson of Seneca; 4 great-grandchildren, Holden Mondy of Ohio, Illinois & Hudson, Grayson & Lincoln Dutko of Streator and nieces, nephews and cousins spread throughout the U.S. and Iceland.

Karl was preceded in death by both of his parents; a brother, Gunnar V. Laxfoss; and his wife, Katherine Howardson.

There will be no service per request. Cremation will be handled by the Ottawa Funeral Home and a private service will be held at a later date to spread his ashes on Washington Island. 

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