Howard Albertson

d. January 31, 2011

HOWARD R. ALBERTSON, 83

Howard R. Albertson was a man known as much for his eccentricities and interests as for his many accomplishments as a legislator, judge and volunteer.

Howard was interested in politics and government from a very early age. When he was 10, he worked on Harold Stassen's gubernatorial campaign. He was active in the Republican Party and was president of the Young Republicans at Gustavus Adolphus College. He saw Harry Truman campaign for president from a train car and remarked he was close enough to touch him. After Truman's speech, he thought, "What a nice guy. Too bad he will never win." Later, he regretted not getting his autograph.

Howard graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a major in history. He then served during the Korean War. After serving in the Army, he entered William Mitchell College of Law. After he graduated from law school, Howard served as Court Commissioner of Washington County. In 1960, he was elected to the Minnesota Legislature where he served Washington County residents for 12 years. In the Legislature he chaired the House Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Metropolitan and Urban Affairs. He also authored the bills that created Afton State Park and expanded William O'Brien State Park.

In 1972, Howard was elected judge. As a judge, he initiated the Guardian Ad Litem Program, which trained volunteers to represent juveniles involved with the courts. He also obtained a federal grant to have two psychologists test children in juvenile courta�"tests that revealed most had a discernible learning disability. He initiated a program called "Community Involvement," which coordinated all resources involved with juveniles to develop ways to prevent delinquency. All three programs won national awards. A few years ago, Howard was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of Stillwater Area High School.

Howard liked to work. After "retirement," he maintained an office in the courthouse to fill in for judges and to serve as a mediator in contested cases. When the court system ran out of money, he volunteered his time. He also volunteered as a mediator when parties were unable to afford mediation fees. He liked to work so much that he joked his retirement party would be his memorial service.

Howard made several other contributions to his community, often to historical organizations, as he always loved history. He served as president of the Washington County Historical Society, the president of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater and the president of the Stillwater Lions Club. He performed living history portraying Sgt. Sam Bloomera�"the flag-bearing Union soldier from Stillwater, who continued to carry the colors, even after a bullet wounded his leg so severely it later had to be amputated. He gave several talks as Sam Bloomer throughout the metropolitan area.

Howard helped start the St. Croix Valley Civil War Roundtable. He was a prime mover in the preservation and restoration of the Washington County Historical Courthouse, where, until his death, he remained a member of the advisory board.

Howard's greatest passion was people. He died with many plans involving his friends and family. He was planning a party this spring on the farm where he hoped to have a mariachi band. He was planning a trip to Kansas City this summer with family. He planned to have lunch with many of his friends at the courthouse. Right up until his death he attended Lions Club meetings and civil war roundtables. He would want you all to know he planned to see you soon. His body, however, had other plans. He died at home with family on January 31, 2011.

The visitation, service and dinner will all be on February 15, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church, Marine on St. Croix. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. The service will be at 6 p.m., with dinner to follow. The family encourages you to wear festive clothing, as Howard wanted a celebration at his memorial service. The family also wants you to know, however, that no one can throw a party like Howard, so please adjust your expectations accordingly.

Howard is survived by his wife, Ellen, and his daughters, Martha, Sarah Foslien (Floyd) and Laura Albertson (John Downs). He is also survived by his brother, Willard (Rose), and sister-in-in law, Patricia Albertson. He leaves four grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and those he loved as family.

The family thanks Howard's former court reporter, Ben Blair, for deciphering Howard's handwriting on the many sheets of paper that Howard claimed comprised his "finished" obituary.

Memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church, Marine on St. Croix, and Valley Outreach, Stillwater.

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Howard Albertson

d. January 31, 2011

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