The name “Howard’s house” holds a special place in the hearts of the founders Tim and Deb Traxinger. Before living on the 10-acre property in Loveland Colorado, the property that Howard’s house leases a portion of, the Traxinger’s lived in Wheaton Illinois for 33 years. Howard Duncan the person “Howard’s house” is named after lived next door to Tim and Deb for 28 years. Howard impacted the lives of the Traxinger’s greatly. He was an elderly gentleman who lived out the two greatest commandments in the gospel of Matthew. The first is to love the lord with all your heart, soul and mind and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.
Howard was born on November 14, 1921 in Miles City, Montana to Reverend John and Clara Duncan. His parents were homesteaders and church planters. Howard grew up attending a one-room schoolhouse with his six siblings. His family eventually moved to Wheaton, Il. when he was 16 years old. After graduating high school, Howard enlisted in the army and served 4 years. Once his service was completed, He attended Moody bible institute and Wheaton college. After completing college, Howard married Lina and they moved into a shotgun bungalow on Irving ave. in Wheaton, Il. This was where they lived and raised their three children.
1313 Irving Ave quickly became a house that served people. Howard and Lina opened their home up to countless missionaries and other people in need of a place to stay. When Howard died cars lined the street to take a picture of this small shotgun bungalow. When asked why? They all said Howard gave us a place to stay when we had nowhere to go. Howard lived out God’s second commandment well… He loved His neighbor well.