Wayne Howard Obituary
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A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Nekoosa, WI. A celebration of life will take place at 2pm on Friday at Foleys Nitabrew.
Wayne was born on March 28, 1944, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI to Glen and Vivian (Michalsen) Howard. He graduated from John Edwards High School in Port Edwards and then attended a technical college in Wausau. Wayne worked as Lead Diesel Mechanic at Domtar Paper Mill for over 30 years.
Wayne enjoyed hunting, bowling, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. He loved working on crossword puzzles, cheering on the Brewers and Packers, watching the Cooking Network, and most of all, spoiling his grandchildren.
Wayne is survived by his son, Jonathan (Victoria) Howard; grandchildren, Paige, Annabell, and Waylon; brother, Harvey (Doris) Howard; sisters, Lois Koran and Gloria Wade; brother-in-law, Greg (Patricia) Kosmatka; and special friends, Herman and Carol Arendt, Joan Jeese, and Dennis Fuehrer.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Paula Howard; sons, Steven and Douglas Howard; parents, Glen Howard and Vivian Varga; in-laws, Harry and Mary Kosmatka; brothers-in-law, Shawn Kosmatka and Ron Koran; stepfathers, Harvey Wade and Thomas Varga; and friend, Fred Jeese.
The family would like to thank Dr. Myers and the staff at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids ICU for the compassionate care given to Wayne.
Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To send flowers to the family of Wayne, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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