Howard W. Tuff, 81, Luverne, died Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Apple Valley Health Care Center in Apple Valley.Services were Thursday, April 17, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. The Revs. Maurice Hagen and Dell Sanderson officiated. Burial and military honors were at Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne. Howard Tuff was born to Alfred and Esther (Bly) Tuff on July 21, 1921, on the family farm in rural Hills. As a boy he attended country school and helped on the farm. He graduated from Jasper High School, Jasper, in 1940. He attended Nettleton Business College in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He entered active duty on Nov. Nov. 20, 1944, and served as Sergeant First Class in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during the Japanese occupation. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 26, 1946. He returned to the Luverne area and worked for Crescent Electric of Sioux Falls as a salesman. He married Pearl Hamann on Sept. 20, 1952, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Luverne. They moved to Pipestone in 1960. He worked as bookkeeper for Rural Electric Association. They moved back to Luverne in 1965 when he retired due to his health. He moved to Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne in 1994. Mrs. Tuff died on Dec. 7, 2001. He moved to Apple Valley shortly after her death. Mr. Tuff was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne where he also taught confirmation classes. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Paralyzed Veterans’ Association. He was involved in helping establish the provisions for handicapped parking in Luverne. The North Central Chapter of the PVA honored him for his many years of legislation work on behalf of the handicapped in Minnesota. His efforts helped to establish the handicapped license plates, parking privileges and tax laws for all handicapped.He was an avid reader who also enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing cards. He loved meeting new people and sharing conversation.Survivors include one son, Allen (Pam) Tuff, Apple Valley; one daughter, Marilyn Tuff, Eden Prairie,; two grandsons, Adam and Sean Tuff; one sister, Ruby Garrow, Sioux Falls; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Tuff was preceded in death by his wife, Pearl. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
