Steven Grant Howe

Steven Grant Howe, age 73, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023. Born in Bloomington MN, Steve enjoyed a childhood that centered largely around his love of athletics. He played baseball and hockey until his love for golf became so great, there was room for little else. In his younger years, he caddied, shagged range balls and raked bunkers to earn his playing privileges. He developed great friendships and bonds that are still strong today, as he and other young boys chased their dreams.
Steve had a distinguished career as a PGA Professional. As a competitor, Steve was a respected amateur in Minnesota and thrived under Hall of Fame Coach, Les Bolstad, at the University of Minnesota. After completing college, Steve moved to Wisconsin to start his career as a professional.
As a professional, Steve wore many hats: he was a businessman, an entertainer, a player, a coach, and a gatherer of people. His competitive resume is impressive: He won six NEWGA Open titles, qualified for the National Club Professional Championship 21 years in a row, won numerous stroke play titles, was a perennial contender in the State Open and was Section Champion in 1983. For two decades he was an ever-present member of the Nelthorpe Cup Team – giving as good as he got from the likes of Steve Stricker, JP Hayes, Jerry Kelly, Skip Kendall and a host of other, now Hall of Fame amateurs. He played in the GMO on seven different occasions. He was known to be gracious in both victory and defeat. Always the gentleman, Steve was known to never swear, preferring to utter a soft, 'rasselfrats.'
In 1973, Steve married his first wife, Kay and began a family. They raised three beautiful daughters together. With a focus on raising strong, intelligent girls, both Steve and Kay believed adamantly that education and educational opportunities were important, so together they canvassed the neighborhood and got Steve elected to the Menasha School Board in 1990. In short order, he became president and helped to structure the largest rebuilding project to date for the community. Sadly, Kay passed away in 1994. Steve remarried in 1998, to Carolyn Barnett-Howe.
Steve was chosen to be the President of the Wisconsin PGA in the early 1980's. During that era, he was recognized as the PGA's Junior Leader of the Year, Merchandiser of the Year, Golf Professional of the Year and NEWGA Man of the Year.
As accomplished as he was, Steve was never a guy you could figure out if you only looked on the surface, even though those qualities were beautiful: he was confident, talented, secure, and detail oriented. For those who dug deeper, it was apparent that Steve was an introvert who was loyal, kind, steadfast and patient. It was not an easy space for him to be in the limelight. Yet, he would tap out his pipe on the heel of his shoe, button his sport coat and proceed to command a room of his peers, his members or the community. Young players hung on his every word. Apprentices watched him closely and friends wanted to be near him.
His preferred role in life was that of a cheerleader: watching his children become educated, independent women and then walking them down the aisle knowing they had chosen the right man; helping communities and organizations find their way; mentoring apprentices and rejoicing in their success; or watching Carolyn as she was inducted into the WSGA Hall of Fame.
If you asked him how he was, he would say, "I couldn't be better!" He excelled at laundry, routines, reading minutia in boring financial statements, making tasty coffee, telling stories, reciting obscure stats from professional sports, burning firewood and remembering every shot he ever hit. He loved cradling babies and he could fashion a tasteful ponytail, when needed, as well.
In his post-retirement years, Steve did what came naturally to him: he sought out quality people and befriended them. Every day was a good day for Steve at the PGA Village in Port St Lucie, where he and Carolyn established deep and lasting friendships. It's not every husband and wife that can claim back-to-back hole-in-ones; that was an especially funny moment that brought Steve great joy. Rasselfrats Steve! Rest in God's arms knowing that you are deeply loved!
Steve is proceeded in death by his parents, Vic and Nancy (Sewell) Howe; his sister Gretchen; his daughter, Angela; and his first wife, Kay (Schibonski).
Steve is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carolyn (Barnett); his brother, Don (Chris); his daughters: Katie Monger (Todd); Carolyn Ingvoldstad (Brian); Marisa Pearson (Ryan).
Grandchildren include: Oliva and McKenna Monger; Victor and Grant Ingvoldstad; Posey, Violet and Sam Pearson
A Celebration of life will take place on January 14, at Pullman's, 619 South Olde Oneida St, Appleton from Noon to 6pm.
At a date and time to be determined, there will also be a Celebration in Port St Lucie, in late March
A warm thank you to Dr Abbi and the Oncology staff at St Elizabeth's Hospital; their warmth, expertise and kindness were deeply appreciated.