Ron Howard, long time resident of Muskego, Wisconsin, was born to Floyd Oliver Howard and Olga Myrtle Witzman in Marion, Iowa.

He joined the US Air Force and trained as an Air Traffic Controller, serving in England after training in Seattle, Washington. Ronald was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration, leading to a long career in ATC, mainly at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, WI.

Ron was very proud of his professional career, the great responsibility, and comradery with longtime coworkers. He relished the monthly breakfast gathering of ATC Retirees.

He married Marion Rolanda Bakken on July 3, 1959 and they raised five successful children and enjoying 64 years of loving marriage. As Marion's health failed, he was always at her side, a dedicated caretaker. No one doubted his commitment to her.

Preceded in death by wife Marion Howard, also by siblings: Oliver (Jowane) Howard, Jerry Howard and Leon Howard. Survived by sisters-in-law: Terry Howard, Gloria Howard, also Carol Holt and Susie Kable.

Survived by siblings Carol (Wally) Sellner and Jay (Judy) Howard, as well as his children: Rhonda Brown of De Pere, WI, Doug (Cindy) Howard of Muskego, WI, Tom (Marcie) Howard of St. Germaine, WI, Shanda (Mike) Cherney of Muskego, WI and Dean Howard of Tucson, AZ.

Grandchildren: Lynn Brown Bastian, Dan (Amanda) Brown, Melissa Quirke Griffin, Rick (Allana) Quirke, Elizabeth Cherney, Nicolette (Sam Rodriguez) Cherney, Zack Cherney, Sophie Howard, Emily Howard, Alyssa (Miles Winter) Kersey and Dan Kersey, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Late in life, Ron learned he had a son from an early life relationship, David Spaur of Indianola, IA. They met, communicated often, and built a strong relationship from that point forward.

Always a tough hardworking farmer at heart, Ron excelled as a professional, family man, and kindhearted grandfather.

Ron grew up farming, running a pair of horses plowing fields in his preteen years, operating a tractor while his father planted potatoes off the back, and driving a dump truck delivering coal to rail cars at only 14 years old. Graduated from Bussey High School in Iowa in a class of thirteen.

He never lacked for energy or health. Packing up the family and station wagon for a day of boating, fishing and water skiing, and making great memories. He frequently walked or bicycled around the neighborhood, stopping to talk with a neighbor or two. After a winter storm, Ron would be up early to snow blow his driveway, as well as younger neighbors', just because he had energy to burn and liked to help out. If you stopped by, you'd catch him in the middle of yardwork, engine maintenance or some outdoor project well into his 80's.

In early retirement, Ron and Marion would travel extensively in their RVs, exploring state parks, visiting children, and often wintering in the south. They frequented area restaurants and often took drives in the countryside.

Ron relished spending time with grandchildren, giving mower rides, picking garden vegetables, and telling them about his own childhood experiences and lessons learned while sitting on the front porch swing.

Ronald Howard will be dearly missed. His life energy and love for family will not be forgotten.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Tudor Oaks Retirement Community staff, especially the Memory Care unit, as well as Moments Hospice Care for their care.