Howard “Howie” Willmarth

Howard “Howie” Willmarth died Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Howard was born to Ray and Lornetta (Zinsli) Willmarth, in Holcombe, March 24, 1935.

He attended Holcombe Schools and graduated from there in 1953.

Howard joined the Army in the spring of 1954.

He married Patricia “Pat” Martindale, June 25, 1954, his high school sweetheart.

After spending time in Korea and Japan, with the Army, Pat and Howard settled in the Eau Claire area, there, they had five children.

Howard worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, for 30 years, and retired from there in 1990.

The couple moved back to Holcombe, in 1996, and enjoyed many years, on Lake Holcombe. Howard loved the lake and spent a good share of the summer enjoying what the lake had to offer.

For 10 years, Howard and Pat spent the winters in a warmer climate, but returned to Holcombe and the lake, for the summers. They moved to Heather Wood Assisted Living in Eau Claire, in January 2020, where they made many new friends.

He is survived by his wife – Pat; their children – Debra, Tom (Becky), Ray (Malea), Lori (Chad) and Eric (Kristina); and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister – Ruth; and brothers – Roy and Earl.

Services are Monday, June 2, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Cornell. The family will hold a private burial at a later date.