Howard E. Murkowski

Howard E. Murkowski 84, Athens, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Wausau Manor after a long seven year battle with cancer. He was born March 16, 1926 in Athens, son of the late Leo and Helen (Nowicki) Murkowski. On April 18, 1951 he married Dorothy Literski in Poniatowski. She survives. Howard worked as a farmer for the majority of his life and also worked as a millwright for Nowicki Lumber for 45 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening to polka music. He loved spending time telling stories, reading and playing ball, sheepshead and croquet with his family. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy, Athens; nine children, Mary (Bill) Koranda, New Berlin, Karen (Steve) Ostovich, Duluth, Minn., Jerry (Linda) Murkowski, Mike Murkowski, Tom Murkowski, Arlene (Tom) Henrichs, Myron (Cindy) Murkowski, all of Athens, Steve (Tina) Murkowski, Kiel and Angie (Dean) Ellenbecker, Athens; 16 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Rita, a sister, Merceda and a brother, Clarence. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 22, 2010 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Very Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens. Friends may call Wednesday from 4 - 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a 7:30 p.m. rosary Wednesday at the Athens funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com