Howard H. Mann

RUTLAND - Howard H. Mann of Rutland, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many died at home on Monday, January 2, 2017. Howard was born on October 28, 1927 in Worcester to Henry and Karen (Kallstrom) Mann. As a boy, he helped in his family’s Swedish bakery in Quinsigamond Village on Greenwood St. in Worcester (now Helen’s Bakery) and graduated from North High. His family later moved to Millbury where he worked on their family dairy farm alongside his father and brother, Ronald. In 1951, Howard and his family moved to their farm in Rutland, Alta Vista Farm, where he raised his own family and became known as a bison farmer. From the mid-1960s until 1989, Howard and his wife owned and operated Mann’s Inc., a retail sales and service business for recreational vehicles, while at the same time operating his family farm. Friends and family will cherish memories of Howard’s sense of humor, numerous pranks, infectious laugh, generosity, “can do” attitude, ingenuity, sense of order, ability to take charge and dedication and provision to those he loved. He was a member of the Rufus Putnam Masonic Lodge since 1965 and had been an active member in the National Bison Association. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy (Cunningham) Mann; his daughters, Sally Mann of Temple, NH and Susan Mann of Hancock, NH; his grandchildren, Sara Mann of New Orleans, Karl Mann of Rutland, and Aria Frehner of Hancock, NH; several loving step-grandchildren; beloved nephews and nieces; and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald H. Mann (2009) and much loved son, Steven H. Mann (Feb. 2016). Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Howard’s family from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 9, at the First Congregational Church of Rutland, 258 Main Street. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rutland Fire Department, 240 Main St., Rutland, MA 01543. To share a memory or offer an online condolence please "sign the guest book" on this page.