It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vicky Howes McMullen. Vicky died peacefully surrounded by family on September 3, 2024 in Rochester, MN, after a long battle with cancer.
Vicky was born on September 22, 1958 in Devils Lake, ND, to Lee and Almieda (Dahl) Howes. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Starkweather, ND, graduating with the class of 1976. She went on to attend Mayville State University, earning a degree in education.
While attending college, she met Don McMullen. They married in Mayville and lived there raising their three daughters before moving to Devils Lake, ND.
In Devils Lake, Vicky taught 8th grade Science at Central Middle School for 24 years. She was truly meant to be a teacher, her colleagues and students were very important to her. The family has many times heard “favorite teacher,” “best teacher,” and “she made science fun”. She positively affected many lives.
She and Don were fortunate to travel (sometimes with family) to most U.S. States and a dozen other countries. She was a wonderful travel companion who was always curious. They also enjoyed many adventures in their motorhome with their bicycles. She spent much time in her flower beds, and they were always beautiful.
Above all else, Vicky loved her family. She was so proud of her three daughters and ten grandchildren. A visit to Grandma’s house was filled with adventure. Kayaking, playing at the beach, building forts, and baking cookies were among the many activities she would have in store. Babysitting and attending ball games and other grandkids’ activities were always important.
Vicky was our wildflower that we all got to share. As broken as we are by this tremendous loss, we will forever remember her love, her antics, her beautiful smile, and that infectious laugh.
Vicky is survived by her husband, Don; daughters Alicia (Jeremy) Johnson of Sharon, ND, Brianne (Ross) Olson of Fargo, ND, Amanda (Tyler Reisetter) McMullen of North Oaks, MN, and 10 grandchildren; Brothers Alden (Linda) Thorson of Edmore, ND, Parnell (Louise) Thorson of Waseca, MN, and Lee Allan Howes of Starkweather, ND; Sisters Paulette (Myron) Bosch of Devils Lake, ND, and Monica (Joe) Pierett of Napa, CA; Brother-in-law Dave (JoAnn) McMullen of Portland, ND, and Sister-in-law Shari (Don) Larson of Surprise, AZ. Many precious nieces, nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Bernard Thorson, and stepfather Morris Knudson.
A prayer service will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake on Thursday, September 19th at 7pm, with visitation beginning at 5pm. The funeral service will be at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Devils Lake on Friday, September 20th at 11am. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at the Ramsey County Event Center (Peterson Arena) in Devils Lake. Lunch and happy stories will be served.