Melvin Howard

Melvin James Howard, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully the morning of January 27, surrounded by loved ones. Mel was a compassionate, kind, strong, and wise man who made the lives of everyone he met brighter. Born in Wisconsin Rapids, Mel enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age seventeen and served during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged he attended the University of Wisconsin and eventually moved to Chicago joining the Employment and Training initiative at the U.S. Department of Labor. It was there, at the Department of Labor, that Mel met his beloved wife Mary Jo. Family was at the center of Mel’s life. He loved being a husband and father and in doing so created a world of constancy and possibility for his wife, his children, and all his extended family and friends. Mel was a passionate golfer and skier. He loved to drink wine and cook. Babies and dogs instinctively liked and felt at ease with him. He was passionately devoted to his University of Wisconsin Badgers football and basketball teams, and to the Green Bay Packers. And above all he adored his family, his friends, and his faith community. He leaves behind his wife Mary Jo, his children Elizabeth and Greg, his daughter-in law Heather and son-in-law Kenny, adored grandchildren Penelope and Eleanor, his sister, Bev, and brother Jim, and many nieces and nephews.

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