FISHER – Howard Albert Stuehm died Monday, July 2, 2007, at Heritage Manor, Gibson City.

A visitation for friends and family will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, at Lux Memorial Chapel. Private funeral services will be held. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

He was born May 21, 1920, in Peotone, a son of Albert D. and Edna Anna (Melbert) Stuehm. He married Janet K. Taylor on May 5, 1942. She preceded him after 54 years of marriage. He then married Anna C. Braaten on Feb. 13, 1999. She resides in Fisher.

Also surviving are two sons, Michael H. Stuehm of Lewistown, Mont., and Edward K. Stuehm of Geneva; and one daughter, Kathryn S. Frank of Titusville, Fla. There are six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, four stepchildren, nine stepgrandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

Howard was a graduate of Fisher High School in 1938. He then served 48 months in the Army Air Corps from November 1941 to November 1945 during World War II.

He reached a rank of staff sergeant as a enlisted man and was accepted into the Flying Cadets for pilot training. He graduated as 2nd Lt. as fighter pilot. Later he transferred to 4 engine bomber, ultimately serving as pilot on a B-29 weather ship.

He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #801 for more than 50 years; a charter member of AMVETS Post 52; and an American Legion member of Post 24, Champaign, since 1958.

Other memberships include the Chicago Motorclub since 1954, volunteer fireman many years in Sangamon Valley Fire Protection district and Fisher National Bank Board Member for 33 years.

After World War II, Howard was instrumental in the founding of The Fisher Businessmens Association, Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth League Baseball, Girls Baseball, AMVETS Club, Fisher National Bank and the High School Boys golf team.

Howard took over the family business of Auto Parts gas station and repairing cars, which still exists today and is operated by Earl Cooper. He was aviation minded, owning four private airplanes. He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, restoring antique cars and showing them. In between, he enjoyed playing golf.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice.