Thomas Howard

VISITATION:

4-7 p.m., Wednesday, August 29 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday evening during the visitation hours at the funeral chapel.

Visitation will resume from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 30at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 412 S. Main St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 30 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 412 S. Main St., Chippewa Falls

Thomas G. Howard, 68, of Chippewa Falls, died Monday, August 27, 2012 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

He was born May 27, 1944 in Ladysmith to Mary Ellen (Krisik) and Raymond Howard. He grew up in Ladysmith, where he also graduated from high school.

Tom served honorably in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from May, 1965 until March, 1967, earning the Bronze Star.

He married Barbara Kusmirek on June 29, 1968 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hawkins. Most of their married life, they lived in Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette.

Tom continued his education at the Minnesota School of Business for court reporting. He worked as a court reporter in Ladysmith for five years, before moving to Chippewa Falls, where he continued his work as a court reporter for the State of Wisconsin at the Chippewa County Courthouse, under the Hon. Marshall Norseng, Hon. Richard Stafford and Hon. Thomas Sazama, retiring at age 55.

Tom loved life. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing cards, polka dancing and traveling. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his friends and family. He had a special place in his heart for his eight grandchildren, who loved him in return and will miss his dearly.

He was a member of Holy Ghost Parish in Chippewa Falls.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; three sons, Michael (Christa) Howard, Scott (Beth) Howard, all of Chippewa Falls, Stanley (Erin) Howard of Jacksonville, FL; two brothers, Roger Howard, Dick (Dana) Howard, all of Chippewa Falls; eight grandchildren, Alison, Kaylee, Jacob, Elizabeth, Megan, Mitchell, Mason and Carter; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister-in-law, Joanne Howard.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 30 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls with Fr. Victor Inbaraj officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith.

Friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, August 29 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Thursday at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral chapel with time to share memories of Tom.

AFTERSERVICE

A funeral mass for Thomas G. Howard, 68, of Chippewa Falls, was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 30, 2012 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. Fr. Victor Inbaraj officiated and music was provided by Judy Brist. Scripture readings were given by Tom's nieces, Jill Maloney and Faye Covey, gift bearers were grandchildren, Jacob, Mitchell and Mason Howard and personal reflections were given by daughter-in-law, Erin Howard.

Interment with military honors provided by the Ladysmith VFW Post 2490 was at Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith. Casket bearers were Bernie and Mike Scherer, Al Maloney, Mike Liddell, Jerry Kuduk and Henry Kusmirek.

During the visitation Wednesday evening, Fr. Victor Inbaraj led family and friends in a prayer service at the funeral chapel.