Carl "Doug" Howells
January 27, 1935 ~ August 28, 2020
Carl Douglas “Doug” Howells, 85, died Friday, August 28, 2020 at Ecumen Evergreens, Fargo, ND.
Doug was born the son of Carl and Eva (Douglas) Howells on January 27, 1935 in Hunter, ND. He grew up and attended school in Hunter graduating from Hunter High School. He was united in marriage to Joanne Umsted on April 2, 1953 in Fargo, ND. Doug, Joanne and their daughter Linda moved to Fargo, ND where Doug attended Interstate Business College. Doug and Joanne returned to live in Hunter with their daughter, Linda. He then worked for State Oil and Auto Company in Hunter until his retirement in 1979.
Doug and Joanne traveled throughout their lives in the United States racing sprint cars. Joanne passed away in June 15, 2001. After Joanne’s death Doug continued racing and in 2005 began racing with his grandson, Lee, as his driver. Doug’s career includes wins in some of the biggest races in the country. He is also a member of the River Cities Hall of Fame, Jackson Racing Hall of Fame, and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Doug continued racing until 2017 when his health made travel difficult.
Doug is survived by his daughter, Linda (LeRoy) Grosz, Harwood, ND; one grandson, Lee William Grosz and his fiancé Morgan Ward, Watertown, SD; one sister, Miriam Larsen, Tulsa, OK.
He was preceded in death by his wife Joanne and his parents.
Doug and his family wish to express special thanks to the staff at Ecumen Evergreens in Fargo and Red River Valley Hospice.
Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 AM followed by a memorial service at 10:00 AM Monday, September 28, 2020 at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. A graveside service will be at the Hunter Cemetery in Hunter, ND following the service. A recording of the service will be posted onto the obituary page following the service, which can be viewed at any time. For any questions, call (701) 237-6441.
My deepest condolences for your loss. My Mom (Joanne Baldock Blanchard) grew up in Hunter as well and I remember watching many races through the years. I believe we got to go in the pit a couple of times as well. Hunter was always such a great place to grow up. May Doug be racing to his hearts content now.
So sorry to hear about Doug – our sympathy to Linda, LeRoy and Lee! Was always fun to watch Dougs sprint cars at West Fargo!
Linda and family, my condolences on your dad’s passing. He was such a friendly guy to everyone in Hunter, and it was fun to hear about all of his racing successes! You are in my thoughts.
I have so many memories of going to races and then stopping at the Highway Host for pie and ice cream and my Dad would want to wait until Doug and the gang came over to eat also. His car number 4 was the only car I ever remember cheering for… He will be greatly missed. I pray your memories of a wonderful man, helps you through these tough day… Diane (Langdahl) Wade
I grew up with Douglas in Hunter. Went to School, one year apart. Condolences to Linda and Miriam. In friendship. Harriet Hansen
Went to Hunter School with Douglas-and Miriam. Lots of memories. My sympathy to all the family.
Linda, Leroy & Lee: l met Doug & Joanne many, many years ago, of course, at a racetrack. They used to spend weekends in Windom at our shop working on the race car. Doug seemed to have a permanent smile on his face. They were just “good people”. Doug was well respected & left a big mark in the racing community. We are loosing too many racing friends. RIP Doug. Till we meet again!
R.I.P. DOUG to 1 of sprint car racings best # 4 ,Safe Haven . You will be Missed my condolences to All of the Family God Bless All of You from Gary
We enjoyed knowing Doug and following his racing career. Our sympathy to Doug’s family.
God Rest the soul of Doug. One of the most caring and interesting guys I ever knew growing up on the family farm, not far from Doug and his father Carl’s business. Our family not only purchased implements and fuel, cars, trucks, and tractors, but also enjoyed having equipment repaired by Doug and his crew of mechanics at State Oil and Auto. As a young boy I remember watching him work, Doug telling Dad and us stories in the shop, and watch his car race on weekends. I remember with fascination the ‘Muscle Car’ era and the great cars Carl and Doug brought in new through their dealership. Hemi Road Runners and Plymouth Fury VIPs, a few Chrysler 300s, some really great Imperials, and a few ‘Cudas stand out in my mind that Doug showed proudly to me. Dad bought one of Doug’s personal ‘Demonstrators’ and I remember taking out my first date in it. He was an honest and forthright businessman, a gentleman, and a fun guy to be around. May he never be forgotten by those who knew him, worked beside him, raced against, or did business with.
For the family of Doug Howells. He was a wonderful and very, very talented person and will be missed by many. My husband Leon used to go to the races and always liked to visit and talk with Doug. Our deepest sympathy to the family from the Johnsons at Ada, Leon and Loretta
Linda and family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy. We always enjoyed watching #4 at West Fargo fairgrounds. We would go down after the feature and visit with your Mom and Dad.
The pride they had in their sport. Always enjoyed those visits.
Big hug Linda.❤️🤗
Larry and Linda Ottesen
Our Sympathies to your family Linda. It’s been a very long time since I have seen your Dad but have fond memories of going to a few races with your family and having sleepovers at your house. Your folks were great. Prayers.
I’m so sorry, Linda and family, for the loss of dear Doug. I have so many fond memories of being at your house, Linda, and of going to the races in Glyndon. You were a warm family to me throughout my childhood and that’s always been really special. What a special guy Doug was. Thinking of you all. With love, Bernadette (Holes) Hunter.
Sincerest Condolences to the family. A great businessman and a friend to everyone.
So sorry for your loss. Very fond memories of Doug and Joanne at the races.
Linda, LeRoy and Lee, I am so sorry for your loss, I sure know what you are going through, I remember the good old days at Grand Forks on Friday nights, with Driver of #4 Don Mack. and all the old timers, you will always have good memories to hang on to, I know I do of my dad. You are all in my prayers, Take care. Rick
Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We have many great memories with Doug that we will cherish forever.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Doug. I have many great memories with Doug throughout the years that I will cherish forever. Thoughts and prayers.
Linda, condolences to you & your family. I have wonderful memories of your folks & your grand parents down at the lake. Whenever I get down to Round Lake it brings back wonderful childhood memories of all of our families enjoying time there.
Your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
Linda, Leroy & Lee
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Doug. Our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories be a blessing.
Iversons – Joanne, Jim, Lucy & Woody, Donnie, Karen
Our deepest condolences to you on your father’s death, Linda, as well as to your family. I remember going to the sprint car races in West Fargo and cheering on the #4. I also remember watching Doug in your garage in Hunter tuning up a car. Your grandparents and parents were favorites of mine. Your grandfather, Carl, drove our family from my Dad’s funeral to the cemetery. We wish you the blessings of love during this time of sorrow.