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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
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Karen Howard Obituary
October 26, 1935 - June 22, 2025
Madison, Wis. - Karen J. Howard passed away on June 22, 2025. She was born on October 26, 1935, in Creston, Neb., to Louis Boning and Hulda (Sanders) Boning. Karen earned her undergraduate degree in Home Economics University of Nebraska, Lincoln. She went on to earn a master's degree from UNL. Karen spent many years employed at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Extension System in several leadership positions. In her retirement years, Karen greatly enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Vilas County, Wis. Karen was married to Prof. W. Terry Howard for more than 50 years until his passing in 2017. Their children, Steven L. Howard, SFC, US. Army, retired, lives In Owatonna, Minn., Matthew C. Howard, Senior Programmer, QCI Inc., resides in Ames, Iowa. Their daughter, Rachel E. Howard lives in Madison, Wis.
Karen is survived by 3 children, and 5 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Karen Howard was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ann Boning, Creston Neb.; brothers, John F Boning, Littleton Colo., Thomas "Toby" Boning, Creston, Neb.
The family wishes to thank Peggy Schumdlach of Oregon, Wis. for the many years of service, friendship, and care she provided for Karen. We are truly grateful.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 14 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd., from 12-1 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Rd Madison
608-238-3434
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen Howard
Sponsored by Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West.
3 Entries
Chris Eisele
July 6, 2025
I always enjoyed my visits with Karen, discussing everything from World Dairy Expo, fishing, Nebraska summers, her good times up north, and how things were going with my work and family. She always met me with a genuine smile. I'll miss sharing a Culver's strawberry sundae and our chats outside while watching the birds and the fish pond. She was always an optimist, and often uttered the phrase "onward and upward" to me with a cheery smile that will be missed.
Barbara Stowe-Carpenter
July 6, 2025
This is Barb Stowe-Carpenter. I knew Karen for many years . She was a wonderful kind giving woman. She will be missed
The Staff of Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
July 5, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Memorial Events
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Jul
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Cress Funeral & Cremation Service - Madison West3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI 53705
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