Howard J. Pitts

Howard J. Pitts 55, Rib Mountain, died Monday, October 29, 2007 in Marathon County as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born December 22, 1951 in Belvidere, Ill., son of George and Ruth (Carlson) Pitts of Rockford, Ill. Howard graduated from Belvidere High School and continued his education at Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, Ill. He earned his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law, Carbondale, Ill. On August 7, 1982, he married Lynne Goeke in Freeport, Ill. She survives. In 1984, Howard and Lynne moved to Wausau, Wis. Together, they raised two daughters and Howard began his own law firm, the Law Office of Howard J. Pitts. He was a member of the Marathon County Bar Association, Wisconsin Bar Association, National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, and Wisconsin Association of Worker's Compensation Attorneys. He was also on the Board of Directors for the Northern Valley Workshop and a member of the Wausau West Site Council. Howard's faith in the Lord and his family were the most important part of his life. Having accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, the family has assurance of his home in paradise. For Jesus said, "I am the gate, whoever enters through Me will be saved." John 10:9a. Howard enjoyed spending time with his family, along with fishing, hunting and traveling. Survivors include, his wife, Lynne Pitts Rib Mountain; two daughters, Lindsey and Sarah Pitts, Rib Mountain; his parents, George and Ruth Pitts, Rockford, Ill.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronald and Lucile Goeke, Ridott, Ill.; his sister, Carolyn (Mark) Lindahl, Iron River, Mich.; two brothers-in-law, Dale (Karen) Goeke, Rochester, Minn. and Wayne (Linda) Goeke, Hudson, Ohio; his uncle, Leonard (Marge) Carlson, Belvidere, Ill,; and other relatives and many friends further survive. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Arnold Goeke. Funeral services will be at Noon Friday, November 2, 2007 at Highland Community Church, Wausau. Rev. Jeff Hinds will officiate. Burial will be Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com