Eve L. Howell-Reiter

Eve Howell-Reiter, née Eva Lorraine Samplawski, was born October 4, 1940 in Stanley, Wisconsin. She was the third of four children and she assisted her dad as his primary farmhand. Her dad honed her mechanical aptitude and work ethic, unwittingly preparing her for future challenges. After high school she lived with her sister Bev in Milwaukee where she met the love of her life Larre Louis Howell. They married May 5, 1961. Larre was a career machinist for Oster Mfg. Co. and Eve did factory piece work- she worked when possible, even after having 6 children. In June of 1978 they built a home on 13 acres north of West Bend, WI. Tragically Larre died 6 months later commuting home in a blizzard.

Eve quickly grasped that she alone would raise their children, ranging in age from 2 to 16. Her dad oversaw building a pole barn and chicken coop and fencing the property so that she could raise sheep, chickens and cows. She and her kids planted gardens, harvested, canned and froze vegetables and fruits and cut wood to heat the house. Eve leaned on her church family and kept the kids busy with chores, sports, summer camps and music lessons. Being frugal gave her the means to take the kids touring throughout the US in their maxi van aka Silver Diner. Looking back, she described raising her kids and creating her farm as the happiest and most important accomplishments of her life.

Within a decade of losing Larre, the four oldest kids left home for college and work; however, over the next few decades she welcomed them and their families back whenever needed. Eve reconnected with her high school beau Robert Reiter in 1994-they married a year later and enjoyed 28 years together until Bob passed away. After raising her kids, she pursued college, earning a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Counseling Psychology. On graduating she landed the perfect role: guiding single parents with child-rearing and household management. Shortly into her new career, Eve suffered the immeasurably painful loss of her youngest son Lance in 1999.

Eve cared deeply about those who suffered injustice and was politically passionate for some time. She was a fierce Scrabble and Bananagrams competitor and enjoyed Solitaire on her phone. She loved horses and is boarding 6 on her property now. Most of all, Eve loved her family and took advantage of every chance to celebrate their birthdays, graduations and annual family reunions: the Howell July 4th party hosted by her sisters-in-law Linda Sabourin and Nancy Unash (now deceased) at Pewaukee Lake and The Hatfield-Samplawski Family Reunion near Stanley, WI-she was President of the latter for years. She enjoyed writing odes to sum up family and notable world events.

After enduring multiple bouts of severe illness starting in her 30s, Eve suspected that she had inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from her mom. She proactively self-educated and practiced a healthy diet and daily exercise regimen. Eve started dialysis in 2016, doing 3 years in-clinic and 6 years at home, starting with Bob as her assistant and then a few precious family members and friends. Even on a rough day, Eve made time to listen, support and make a meal for someone in need. Eve died September 10, 2025 surrounded by family.

Eve was preceded in death by her husband Larre Howell, her son Lance Howell, her husband Robert Reiter, her parents: Everett & Esther (Anderson) Samplawski, her brother Roger Anderson, and her sisters Karen Samplawski and Beverly Lowe. Eve is survived by her children: Dusti (Deanne) Howell, Rick (Kelly) Howell, Tracy Howell, Terry (Janine) Howell & Rachel Howell (Christopher Spehert, SO). She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Jacqueline (Mike) Koll, Jourdan Howell, Jazmyn (Drew) Scott, Autumn Howell, Trevor Howell, Talan Howell, Kit Howell, River Howell and Lockelyn Howell. Eve is survived by 7 great grandchildren: Lyla Scott, Emslee Martinez, Kyler Scott, Logan Koll, Oliver Scott, Zuri Martinez and Eli Koll.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the PKD foundation "in memory of Eve Howell-Reiter." Here's the link: https://support.pkdcure.org/give/699423/#!/donation/checkout

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com