Howard W. Birkholz, age 87, of 1433 N. 6th St., Manitowoc, passed on to a greater life after a brief bout with cancer on Sunday evening, May 3, 2009, at St. Mary's Home, surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born in Reedsville on July 24, 1921, son of the late William D. and Christina (Steinfest) Birkholz and the youngest of seven children. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Reedsville and Reedsville High School. In 1942, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Hunter Field Base at Savannah, Georgia, serving on their
Military Police Squad. On June 5, 1943, Howard came home on furlough to marry the former Dorothy Staudinger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. Both Dorothy and Howard returned to Savannah, Georgia, where they spent the first year of their married life. Besides training for overseas duty, Howard was also able to play his beloved sport, hardball, at Hunter Field and was awarded the MVP while maintaining a batting average of .491.
In 1944, he entered World War II and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division in the European Theater, where he fought in France and Germany. Howard always enjoyed sharing his WWII stories and was fortunate to visit one of his very dearest army buddies in 2007 in Santa Paula, Calif. Howard and his wife Dorothy owned and operated the Birkholz Meat Market & Grocery Store in Collins for 48 years until their retirement in April, 1995. In the summer of 1995, Howard did not feel retirement was right for him, even though he was 74 years ""young"" so he began
bagging groceries for the Sentry Store in Manitowoc until it closed in 2004. He loved being around people and was always whistling.
Dorothy preceded Howard in death Dec. 8, 2002, just shy of 60 years of marriage.
Howard was very active in many organizations. He was the fire chief for the Collins Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was honored for 50 years of service in 1987. He was a member of the Reedsville American Legion Post 199 for 50 years and served as the commander of the post for two years. Howard was past president of the Collins Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5798, past president of the Collins Mens Bowling Association and past president of the Manitowoc County Bowling Association. One of his outstanding memories was being inducted into the Manitowoc County Bowling Hall of Fame on May 1, 2004. Howard also played hardball for many county teams and belonged to the Manitowoc County Oldtimers Baseball Organization. He was also an active volunteer with the Lions
Little League Softball Association of Collins and sponsored many teams. He also sponsored many bowling teams that won numerous championships over the years.
Since moving to Manitowoc in 2004, Howard was an active member of the Silver Sneakers group at the YMCA and loved the time he spent there daily doing water classes along with conversation, friendship and story telling. Howard and Dorothy loved to travel, especially with their children to Florida. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan (and Milwaukee Braves) attending many games each season with family and friends. He also loved following his grandchildren in their sporting activities over the years. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law: Deanna and Paul Wallander, Manitowoc; Pat Henson, Elgin, Ill.; one son and
daughter-in-law: Bill and Debbie Birkholz, Cato; seven grandchildren: Gwyn Wallander, Milwaukee; Bryan Wallander, Milwaukee; Brett Wallander, Boston, Mass.; Jason Henson,
Lake in the Hills, Ill.; Josh (Erica) Henson, South Elgin; Jill (Matt) Wilson, Washington, Ill.; Todd Birkholz, Cato; five great grandchildren: Dakota, Tyler and Dane Henson, Madelyn and Aidan Wilson; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruth ""Boots"" and Jim Stradal, Branch, Joyce and John Rohde, Whitelaw; and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Ed and Eileen Staudinger and Corrine Staudinger, all of Clarks Mills. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Katie Birkholz Espat in 1998; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Vernon and Mary Metcalf, Dan and
Millie Birkholz; four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Christine and Stan Gubbins, Dorothy Flemning, Marie and Joe Welnicke, Evelyn and Ray Heinricks; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Gladys and Adolph Bergel, Bernice and Edgar Glaeser; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Leonard and Caroline Staudinger, and Paul Staudinger. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Zimmerman with burial at St. Mary Church Cemetery, Reedsville. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American
Legion Post 199 and AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. The family will greet relatives and friends at The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, from 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009, until 7:30 p.m., where a sharing of Howard's life and prayer service will be led by Deacon Tom Koch which will conclude the evening visitation. Friday's morning visitation will continue at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills, with a rosary service led by the Knights of Columbus 5798 at 9:15 a.m. The visitation will continue following the rosary service until the time of Mass of
10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Howard's name to the Manitowoc & Two Rivers YMCA, his beloved second home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing and rehab staff at St. Mary's Rehab Unit for the exceptional and loving care that was showered upon dad these past three weeks and to Dr. Yetter, Dr. Rhode and their staff for the tender care & concern shown to dad throughout his brief illness
Herald Times Reporter, May 6, 2009
Contributor: Keri
Military Police Squad. On June 5, 1943, Howard came home on furlough to marry the former Dorothy Staudinger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. Both Dorothy and Howard returned to Savannah, Georgia, where they spent the first year of their married life. Besides training for overseas duty, Howard was also able to play his beloved sport, hardball, at Hunter Field and was awarded the MVP while maintaining a batting average of .491.
In 1944, he entered World War II and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division in the European Theater, where he fought in France and Germany. Howard always enjoyed sharing his WWII stories and was fortunate to visit one of his very dearest army buddies in 2007 in Santa Paula, Calif. Howard and his wife Dorothy owned and operated the Birkholz Meat Market & Grocery Store in Collins for 48 years until their retirement in April, 1995. In the summer of 1995, Howard did not feel retirement was right for him, even though he was 74 years ""young"" so he began
bagging groceries for the Sentry Store in Manitowoc until it closed in 2004. He loved being around people and was always whistling.
Dorothy preceded Howard in death Dec. 8, 2002, just shy of 60 years of marriage.
Howard was very active in many organizations. He was the fire chief for the Collins Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was honored for 50 years of service in 1987. He was a member of the Reedsville American Legion Post 199 for 50 years and served as the commander of the post for two years. Howard was past president of the Collins Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5798, past president of the Collins Mens Bowling Association and past president of the Manitowoc County Bowling Association. One of his outstanding memories was being inducted into the Manitowoc County Bowling Hall of Fame on May 1, 2004. Howard also played hardball for many county teams and belonged to the Manitowoc County Oldtimers Baseball Organization. He was also an active volunteer with the Lions
Little League Softball Association of Collins and sponsored many teams. He also sponsored many bowling teams that won numerous championships over the years.
Since moving to Manitowoc in 2004, Howard was an active member of the Silver Sneakers group at the YMCA and loved the time he spent there daily doing water classes along with conversation, friendship and story telling. Howard and Dorothy loved to travel, especially with their children to Florida. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan (and Milwaukee Braves) attending many games each season with family and friends. He also loved following his grandchildren in their sporting activities over the years. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law: Deanna and Paul Wallander, Manitowoc; Pat Henson, Elgin, Ill.; one son and
daughter-in-law: Bill and Debbie Birkholz, Cato; seven grandchildren: Gwyn Wallander, Milwaukee; Bryan Wallander, Milwaukee; Brett Wallander, Boston, Mass.; Jason Henson,
Lake in the Hills, Ill.; Josh (Erica) Henson, South Elgin; Jill (Matt) Wilson, Washington, Ill.; Todd Birkholz, Cato; five great grandchildren: Dakota, Tyler and Dane Henson, Madelyn and Aidan Wilson; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruth ""Boots"" and Jim Stradal, Branch, Joyce and John Rohde, Whitelaw; and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Ed and Eileen Staudinger and Corrine Staudinger, all of Clarks Mills. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Katie Birkholz Espat in 1998; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Vernon and Mary Metcalf, Dan and
Millie Birkholz; four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Christine and Stan Gubbins, Dorothy Flemning, Marie and Joe Welnicke, Evelyn and Ray Heinricks; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Gladys and Adolph Bergel, Bernice and Edgar Glaeser; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Leonard and Caroline Staudinger, and Paul Staudinger. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Zimmerman with burial at St. Mary Church Cemetery, Reedsville. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American
Legion Post 199 and AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. The family will greet relatives and friends at The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, from 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009, until 7:30 p.m., where a sharing of Howard's life and prayer service will be led by Deacon Tom Koch which will conclude the evening visitation. Friday's morning visitation will continue at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills, with a rosary service led by the Knights of Columbus 5798 at 9:15 a.m. The visitation will continue following the rosary service until the time of Mass of
10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Howard's name to the Manitowoc & Two Rivers YMCA, his beloved second home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing and rehab staff at St. Mary's Rehab Unit for the exceptional and loving care that was showered upon dad these past three weeks and to Dr. Yetter, Dr. Rhode and their staff for the tender care & concern shown to dad throughout his brief illness
Herald Times Reporter, May 6, 2009
Contributor: Keri
Howard W. Birkholz, age 87, of 1433 N. 6th St., Manitowoc, passed on to a greater life after a brief bout with cancer on Sunday evening, May 3, 2009, at St. Mary's Home, surrounded by his loving family. Howard was born in Reedsville on July 24, 1921, son of the late William D. and Christina (Steinfest) Birkholz and the youngest of seven children. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School, Reedsville and Reedsville High School. In 1942, Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Hunter Field Base at Savannah, Georgia, serving on their
Military Police Squad. On June 5, 1943, Howard came home on furlough to marry the former Dorothy Staudinger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. Both Dorothy and Howard returned to Savannah, Georgia, where they spent the first year of their married life. Besides training for overseas duty, Howard was also able to play his beloved sport, hardball, at Hunter Field and was awarded the MVP while maintaining a batting average of .491.
In 1944, he entered World War II and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division in the European Theater, where he fought in France and Germany. Howard always enjoyed sharing his WWII stories and was fortunate to visit one of his very dearest army buddies in 2007 in Santa Paula, Calif. Howard and his wife Dorothy owned and operated the Birkholz Meat Market & Grocery Store in Collins for 48 years until their retirement in April, 1995. In the summer of 1995, Howard did not feel retirement was right for him, even though he was 74 years ""young"" so he began
bagging groceries for the Sentry Store in Manitowoc until it closed in 2004. He loved being around people and was always whistling.
Dorothy preceded Howard in death Dec. 8, 2002, just shy of 60 years of marriage.
Howard was very active in many organizations. He was the fire chief for the Collins Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was honored for 50 years of service in 1987. He was a member of the Reedsville American Legion Post 199 for 50 years and served as the commander of the post for two years. Howard was past president of the Collins Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5798, past president of the Collins Mens Bowling Association and past president of the Manitowoc County Bowling Association. One of his outstanding memories was being inducted into the Manitowoc County Bowling Hall of Fame on May 1, 2004. Howard also played hardball for many county teams and belonged to the Manitowoc County Oldtimers Baseball Organization. He was also an active volunteer with the Lions
Little League Softball Association of Collins and sponsored many teams. He also sponsored many bowling teams that won numerous championships over the years.
Since moving to Manitowoc in 2004, Howard was an active member of the Silver Sneakers group at the YMCA and loved the time he spent there daily doing water classes along with conversation, friendship and story telling. Howard and Dorothy loved to travel, especially with their children to Florida. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan (and Milwaukee Braves) attending many games each season with family and friends. He also loved following his grandchildren in their sporting activities over the years. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law: Deanna and Paul Wallander, Manitowoc; Pat Henson, Elgin, Ill.; one son and
daughter-in-law: Bill and Debbie Birkholz, Cato; seven grandchildren: Gwyn Wallander, Milwaukee; Bryan Wallander, Milwaukee; Brett Wallander, Boston, Mass.; Jason Henson,
Lake in the Hills, Ill.; Josh (Erica) Henson, South Elgin; Jill (Matt) Wilson, Washington, Ill.; Todd Birkholz, Cato; five great grandchildren: Dakota, Tyler and Dane Henson, Madelyn and Aidan Wilson; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruth ""Boots"" and Jim Stradal, Branch, Joyce and John Rohde, Whitelaw; and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Ed and Eileen Staudinger and Corrine Staudinger, all of Clarks Mills. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Katie Birkholz Espat in 1998; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Vernon and Mary Metcalf, Dan and
Millie Birkholz; four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Christine and Stan Gubbins, Dorothy Flemning, Marie and Joe Welnicke, Evelyn and Ray Heinricks; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Gladys and Adolph Bergel, Bernice and Edgar Glaeser; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Leonard and Caroline Staudinger, and Paul Staudinger. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Zimmerman with burial at St. Mary Church Cemetery, Reedsville. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American
Legion Post 199 and AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. The family will greet relatives and friends at The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, from 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009, until 7:30 p.m., where a sharing of Howard's life and prayer service will be led by Deacon Tom Koch which will conclude the evening visitation. Friday's morning visitation will continue at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills, with a rosary service led by the Knights of Columbus 5798 at 9:15 a.m. The visitation will continue following the rosary service until the time of Mass of
10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Howard's name to the Manitowoc & Two Rivers YMCA, his beloved second home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing and rehab staff at St. Mary's Rehab Unit for the exceptional and loving care that was showered upon dad these past three weeks and to Dr. Yetter, Dr. Rhode and their staff for the tender care & concern shown to dad throughout his brief illness
Herald Times Reporter, May 6, 2009
Contributor: Keri
Military Police Squad. On June 5, 1943, Howard came home on furlough to marry the former Dorothy Staudinger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Clarks Mills. Both Dorothy and Howard returned to Savannah, Georgia, where they spent the first year of their married life. Besides training for overseas duty, Howard was also able to play his beloved sport, hardball, at Hunter Field and was awarded the MVP while maintaining a batting average of .491.
In 1944, he entered World War II and was assigned to the 2nd Armored Division in the European Theater, where he fought in France and Germany. Howard always enjoyed sharing his WWII stories and was fortunate to visit one of his very dearest army buddies in 2007 in Santa Paula, Calif. Howard and his wife Dorothy owned and operated the Birkholz Meat Market & Grocery Store in Collins for 48 years until their retirement in April, 1995. In the summer of 1995, Howard did not feel retirement was right for him, even though he was 74 years ""young"" so he began
bagging groceries for the Sentry Store in Manitowoc until it closed in 2004. He loved being around people and was always whistling.
Dorothy preceded Howard in death Dec. 8, 2002, just shy of 60 years of marriage.
Howard was very active in many organizations. He was the fire chief for the Collins Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and was honored for 50 years of service in 1987. He was a member of the Reedsville American Legion Post 199 for 50 years and served as the commander of the post for two years. Howard was past president of the Collins Lions Club, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5798, past president of the Collins Mens Bowling Association and past president of the Manitowoc County Bowling Association. One of his outstanding memories was being inducted into the Manitowoc County Bowling Hall of Fame on May 1, 2004. Howard also played hardball for many county teams and belonged to the Manitowoc County Oldtimers Baseball Organization. He was also an active volunteer with the Lions
Little League Softball Association of Collins and sponsored many teams. He also sponsored many bowling teams that won numerous championships over the years.
Since moving to Manitowoc in 2004, Howard was an active member of the Silver Sneakers group at the YMCA and loved the time he spent there daily doing water classes along with conversation, friendship and story telling. Howard and Dorothy loved to travel, especially with their children to Florida. He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan (and Milwaukee Braves) attending many games each season with family and friends. He also loved following his grandchildren in their sporting activities over the years. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law: Deanna and Paul Wallander, Manitowoc; Pat Henson, Elgin, Ill.; one son and
daughter-in-law: Bill and Debbie Birkholz, Cato; seven grandchildren: Gwyn Wallander, Milwaukee; Bryan Wallander, Milwaukee; Brett Wallander, Boston, Mass.; Jason Henson,
Lake in the Hills, Ill.; Josh (Erica) Henson, South Elgin; Jill (Matt) Wilson, Washington, Ill.; Todd Birkholz, Cato; five great grandchildren: Dakota, Tyler and Dane Henson, Madelyn and Aidan Wilson; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruth ""Boots"" and Jim Stradal, Branch, Joyce and John Rohde, Whitelaw; and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law: Ed and Eileen Staudinger and Corrine Staudinger, all of Clarks Mills. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by a daughter: Katie Birkholz Espat in 1998; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Vernon and Mary Metcalf, Dan and
Millie Birkholz; four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Christine and Stan Gubbins, Dorothy Flemning, Marie and Joe Welnicke, Evelyn and Ray Heinricks; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Gladys and Adolph Bergel, Bernice and Edgar Glaeser; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law: Leonard and Caroline Staudinger, and Paul Staudinger. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, 2009, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. David Zimmerman with burial at St. Mary Church Cemetery, Reedsville. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by the American
Legion Post 199 and AmVets Post 1032 of Reedsville. The family will greet relatives and friends at The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, from 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7, 2009, until 7:30 p.m., where a sharing of Howard's life and prayer service will be led by Deacon Tom Koch which will conclude the evening visitation. Friday's morning visitation will continue at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Clarks Mills, with a rosary service led by the Knights of Columbus 5798 at 9:15 a.m. The visitation will continue following the rosary service until the time of Mass of
10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated in Howard's name to the Manitowoc & Two Rivers YMCA, his beloved second home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing and rehab staff at St. Mary's Rehab Unit for the exceptional and loving care that was showered upon dad these past three weeks and to Dr. Yetter, Dr. Rhode and their staff for the tender care & concern shown to dad throughout his brief illness
Herald Times Reporter, May 6, 2009
Contributor: Keri
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