Howard W. Oliver

Howard Wayne Oliver, Sr., 73, of La Crosse, WI, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Howard was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer, in January 2023 and fought diligently for each extra day he could cherish with his family. Howard had a love for the automotive industry, often tinkering with anything that had a motor from a young age. He also had an unmatched skill set in woodworking, whether helping build houses, building furniture, or simply fixing something for one of his kids. He often enjoyed fishing with his friends or helping to bait hooks with his grandkids. Howard spent over 40 years as a machinist for Trane Company.

Aside from his various hobbies, Howard loved his family and valued taking any moment he could to shower them with love and affection. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he met his former wife Karen (Woodley) Leis and they had 4 children and a lifetime of memories together. 

Howard is preceded in death by his mother Evelyn (Sletten), father Merlin Oliver, brother Philip Oliver, sister-in-law Jenny Oliver, and brother-in-law Paul Borchardt (Diane).

Howard is survived by his four children: Edward Wayne Oliver, Howard Wayne Oliver Jr., Megan Jaye (Oliver) Nawrot, Molly Michelle Oliver; daughters-in-law: Kate (Hampton) Oliver and Natalie Zielinski; son-in-law: Christofer Nawrot; and his seven beloved grandchildren: Allyana Oliver (Howard), Jack and Theo Oliver (Edward), Savana, Oliver, Virginia and Harper Nawrot (Megan). He is further survived by his sisters Shirley Haakenson (Gary), Diane Borchardt and Janet Oliver, brothers: Gary Oliver and Michael (Pat) Oliver, along with several nieces, nephews and their children.

In honor of Howard’s wishes the family will be having a private burial at Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat, WI. There will be a celebration of life open to the public at the Retreat Sportsman Club on October 26, 2024, from 12-6 where family and friends can share their stories of Howard over food and drinks. In lieu of flowers please consider bringing a dessert to pass on 10/26, or consider donating to the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America or the American Cancer Society in his honor.