Howard Klitgaard

1924 - 2015

Klitgaard, Howard Howard Maynard Klitgaard of Brown Deer found peace December 18, 2015 at the age of 91. Beloved husband of the late Anna Plzakova, father of Andrew (Rose) of Fort Collins, CO., Margaret Klitgaard-Mancel of Stevens Point, WI., Michael (Mary) of Milwaukee, Patricia Klitgaard of Milwaukee, and Diana Klitgaard-Kubicek of Gobles, MI., son of the late Andrew Klitgaard and Gladys (nee Havick). Grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Survived by his brother, Richard of Harlan, IA., and his sister Darlene (Dwight) Taylor of St. Louis, MO. Howard was born October 16, 1924 in Harlan, Iowa and graduated from Harlan High School. He attended Denver University before entering military service. After World War II he attended the University of Iowa where he received B.S., M.S. and PhD in medical physiology, biochemistry, and nuclear radiation sciences. He was a professor and vice-chairman in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette University School of Medicine) for 26 years and later Director and Chairman of Marquette University Basic Sciences for 12 years. He retired in 1990 as Professor Emeritus. He had nearly 100 research articles published in leading medical and scientific journals and belonged to numerous scientific societies. He was a visiting professor at the University of the West Indies School of Medicine in 1969 at Kingston, Jamaica. He served as a consultant in Nuclear Medicine at the V.A. Hospital in Woods, WI. for 22 years. He was Radiation Safety Officer for the medical schools and university for 33 years. Howard received numerous awards for his research. In addition to endocrine research, he enjoyed teaching, which he continued for a number of years after retiring from the University. In World War II, Howard landed on Utah beach during the invasion of Normandy, France with the 109th Evacuation Hospital (a mobile field Unit). He was in combat throughout the war in Europe and received five battle stars including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit "In Recognition of Conspicuous and Outstanding Military Service". After the war he served as president of his military unit for 20 years, publishing quarterly newsletters and wrote a book on the history of the 109th Evacuation Hospital during the war. Of his many interests, sailing was his favorite. He was a member of the South Shore Yacht Club and enjoyed racing and cruising his 32 foot sail boat, "Czech Mate". In later years he belonged to the "Geezers", a group of retired sailing friends. He was active in the United States Power Squadron having the rank of senior navigator and served a term as commander. Howard enjoyed all styles of music, playing clarinet since junior high school. He loved ragtime-Dixie style music and played in a Dixie jazz band for many years. Later he played the clarinet and flute in a University Band where he arranged and composed several pieces. Howard belonged to a number of organizations, including Endocrine Society, American Physiological Society, American Medical Association, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Unlimited Jazz, Raconteurs and ANA. He was a life member of the South Shore Yacht Club and the Menomonee Falls Rod and Gun Club. Howard was considered a man with many talents and enjoyed sharing them with others. Please visit www.krausefuneralhome.com for service times and date.