Howard Emmert Dietzman

Howard always felt that he lived under a lucky star, and that lucky star provided him with a safe, adventurous, and fulfilling life. His life began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1933. He grew up during the Depression and World War II. After high school, he entered the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1951. Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1955, he joined the U.S. Army as a tank commander. In 1957, he married Gloria Brockway. After being discharged from the Army in California later that year, he returned to Wisconsin, where he taught in the schools while pursuing a Master’s degree in Education with a specialty in Audio-Visual Education.

In 1962, Gloria and Howard moved to New Jersey, where he became Director of Audio-Visual Education for the North Plainfield Public Schools, and they started a family. Over the years, Howard was extremely active in 4-H and volunteered countless hours photographing member activities and events. He also helped produce the Somerset County 4-H Fair catalog for many years. He loved to travel and explored all 50 states. He rode his bicycle solo from the West Coast, starting from both California and Alaska on different trips—and rode back to New Jersey three times over the years.

At age 81, Howard bicycled solo across Canada from Banff to New Jersey, adding more adventures and friends along the way. He also took up ballroom dancing, becoming a Gentleman Dance Host on several cruise lines. He literally danced his way around the world, ultimately visiting more than 50 countries across the globe, including the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Peninsula. He enjoyed chronicling his travels and sharing them with his family and friends.

Howard is survived by his son, Craig Howard; his daughter, Cari Lynn, and her partner, Tom; his daughter, Cindy Sue; and his son, Curt William Glenn, and his wife, Lesia. He also has two grandchildren, Ethan Michael and Emily Marie.