Howard was born October 30, 1925 in Rock Island, the son of John C. Ehlers and Edith Eick Ehlers. He married Elda “Toodie” Niebur on June 30, 1945. Howard and Toodie had been married for 65 years.

Mr. Ehlers worked as a toll taker at the Rock Island Centennial Bridge for 21 years. Earlier he worked for Ehlers Coal Company and had owned and operated Ehlers Real Estate Company. Howard was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Rock Island and the Allouez Council No. 658 of the Knights of Columbus, Rock Island. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, yard work, cookouts, and taking his wife and sister, Katherine shopping. He especially loved spending time with family.

Survivors include his wife, Toodie; children, Kevin J. Ehlers, Moline, Kathy E. Pribble, Rock Island; grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew, Anthony, Gwynne, Patrick, Kyle; seven great grandchildren; sister, Katherine Ehlers.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Mark Ehlers, Steven Ehlers; brother, John “Bud” Ehlers. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.wheelanpressly.com