Aaron Howard

Aaron Arneson Howard

An accomplished Blacksmith, Artist, Fabricator and Storyteller

February 10, 1978 - September 20, 2021

The time came to take the irons out of the fire, turn the forges off and lay down the hammers on his anvil for the last time. Thanks to a lifetime of dedication to his craft, Aaron leaves behind an enormous body of work along with immeasurable holes in our hearts. Megalithic structures of fine art made by this incredibly talented man are to be found all over this country. His passion for his craft was as big as his love of his wife Erika, his family and friends who all helped make him who he was.

Not just a master blacksmith, Aaron was a loving son, a doting husband, the best brother anyone could ever ask for (and he was brother to many) as well as the coolest uncle to so many kids well beyond the limbs of our family tree. He had a quiet wisdom well beyond his years but was far from being too serious. His sense of humor would jump out and grab you right by the funny bone. He would leave your sides sore from laughing and your head spinning from his quick wit! To say he was an inspiration to many understates the impact this amazing man had on so many peoples’ lives and his finished work continues to do so.

He dedicated years of his life teaching the art of Blacksmithing at MATC, had numerous apprentices over the years, had an established “buddy” system that would make actual miracles happen when things needed getting done. Aaron was the guy that people called when the tough got going and the heavy lifting needed his massive strength to achieve. No job was too big or too tough. His motto was “once a job you have begun, do not stop until it’s done. Be the task big or small do it right or not at all.”

That same dedication was there for his friends and family. Despite being a busy guy running his business Acme Ironworks with his wife Erika, he would always be there when you needed him. He had a deep love of music which was always rocking out at the shop full blast and had probably forgotten more wild times than most people have in a full lifetime. His stories would flow like water when he was in a telling mood and they would never disappoint! Some of his happiest times were working on the hot rods he helped to build with his best buddy Rob Drogsvold. They had a lifetime of friendship and brotherhood.

When people say that we stand on the shoulders of giants, his are the shoulders of which they speak. A true Aquarian visionary who left his mark in this world with his metal art as well as his enormous heart and all those he kept in it. We should consider ourselves so lucky to have known someone as awesome as Aaron. His memory will be amongst the most treasured of memories for a lifetime yet to come for those of us left behind in his glorious wake.

Aaron is survived by his wife Erika Koivunen, mother Kathy Howard, father Bill Howard, sister Melissa (Missy) Howard, sister Brittany Moen (Isaac DeHoyos, their daughter Aaralynn DeHoyos), brother Kyle Moen, and many extended family and friends who cherished him.

His family will lay Aaron to rest in a private ceremony, but a celebration of Aaron's life will be from 4-7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Madison Children's Museum. 100 North Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703.

Thank you to all who have reached out with love and support. Many have asked how to help during this difficult time. Know that your kindness is much appreciated, and that donations to the family may be made via venmo to @aaron-acme-howard or contact Cress Funeral Home.