WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – Howard J. Mellinger, 68, Webster City, died Friday, July 17, 2009 at Hamilton Hospital.

Funeral services are at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the Webster City Church of Christ with Pastor Ray Artrip officiating.

Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Monday evening at the Foster Funeral and Cremation Center from 5-8 p.m. and prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Howard J. Mellinger son of Harley and Dorothy McCoskey Mellinger was born on July 11, 1941 in Webster City.

He received his education and graduated from Webster City Lincoln High School in 1959. Following graduation, he worked at Forrester's Dairy in Webster City, where he met his loving wife JoAnn Neese.

Howard and JoAnn were united in marriage on Oct. 1, 1961 at the Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell. The couple resided in Webster City, where he worked at Webster Engraving prior to purchasing Jim Dandy Printing.

Following the sale of Jim Dandy Printing, Howard remained active as a race track promoter at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City, Highway 3 Raceway in Allison and Crawford County Speedway in Denison.

He also remained active within his church and community.

Survivors include his loving wife JoAnn; sons, Todd (Anne) Mellinger of Clive, Cory Mellinger of West Des Moines; grandson, Ashton Mellinger; sister, Ida Mae (Deane) Dennis of Ames; sister-in-law, Jerrine (Ron) Cayler of Galt; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Mellinger in 1988.

Howard was a member of the Church of Christ in Webster City, where he held the positions of deacon and elder in the church. He was also a member of the Webster City Lions Club, and the Webster City Chamber of Commerce where he was a past Ambassador.

Write a personal tribute or light a virtual candle for the Mellinger family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com online.

The Staleys — Todd, Janet, Ryne and Logan — along with the entire staff of the United States Modified Touring Series, send their prayers and condolences to the family and friends of our good friend, Howard.