Howard Sickler, 68, of Whitewood, SD passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021 surrounded by family in his home.  A celebration of life will be planned for later in 2021.

Howard was born August 9, 1952 to Mathew and Betty (Haich) Sickler.  He was the 5 ^th of seven children growing up on a family farm north of Gladstone, North Dakota.  After high school, Howard married Cynthia Jensen in 1972, moved to Bismarck, ND and began a career as a Respiratory Therapist.  In 1973 they had their first child, Ryan.  In 1975, Howard moved to Dickinson, ND continuing his career at St. Joseph's Hospital.  In 1978, a second child was born, daughter, Chelsee.  In 1980, Howard and Cindi divorced.  However, throughout the rest of his life, Howard, Cindi, and Cindi's future husband, Terry Treat remained close friends and set the perfect example of how shared parenting should be.

While working at hospitals in both Bismarck and Dickinson, Howard formed a friendship with Katie Oxner, a nurse who also worked at both. In the mid 80's, their friendship continued to grow and they were becoming each other's best friend.  Then in 1989 the two best friends took a chance on love and began dating.  It didn't take long to realize they were soul mates. Together they shared a love of traveling, camping, music festivals and spending time with family.  During this time, Katie had two children of own, Amy and Joe, and two households began forming into a single family.  On May 2, 1991 Howard and Katie were married, and the newly formed family became one.

Over his career, Howard worked primarily in the medical field as both a Respiratory Therapist and Manager of Durable Medical Equipment.  However, perhaps the most memorable career adventure was when he and Katie purchased and ran McKenzie Bay Marina on Lake Sakakawea from 1998 through the season of 2000.  During this time, Howard and Katie's love of camping on the lake, driving work ethic, and genuine care for their patrons, set the cornerstones for a successful business which created lifelong relationship that continue to this day.

In 2007, Howard and Katie moved to the northern Black Hills area of South Dakota, eventually settling down a year later in the home they built together near Whitewood.  Over the past 12 years, their home in the hills has been a welcoming place for many friends and family.  With spectacular views and always a home cooked meal, their home was a place of comfort, enjoyment, and warm hospitality.

At 55, Howard was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and retired several years later.  Even though having physical challenges, it was his home with Katie where he was able to live out his retirement.  Maintaining the property, playing games with family (especially his grandchildren), and enjoying the Black Hills continued for Howard until his very last weeks.  It was the home they built together that brought calm and serenity during the most challenging times.  Howard was known for his humor, kindness and love for his family.  He will be truly missed by so many.

Howard is survived by his wife of 29 years, Katie Sickler; son, Ryan (Yvette) Sickler, Charlotte, NC; daughter, Chelsee (Jeff) Healy, Rapid City, SD; step-daughter, Amy (Jayson) Lund, Watford City, ND; step-son, Joe (Kim) Oxner, Billings, MT; 12 grandchildren; brothers, Jim (Kathy) Sickler, Bismarck, ND, Gary ( Ardyce) Sickler, Bismarck, ND, Glen (Joan) Sickler, Gladstone, ND, and Warren (Kimm) Sickler, Bismarck, ND; and sisters, Diane (Glenn) Faiman, Bismarck, ND, and Yvonne (Steve) Burcell, Peoria, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathew and Betty Sickler; brother-in-law, Stan Laufer; father and mother-in-law, Earl and Liv Laufer.