Howard Conner

"I don't know if this is true but this is the way I remember it."

MADISON- Howard Emmett Conner died November 18, 2014 in his home of over 40 years where he, and his wife Shirley, raised their family.

Howard was born September 26, 1930, in Watertown, Wisconsin to Eliza Lottie (Van Alstine) and Howard Roy Conner. He lived with his parents and older sister Mary Jane until he graduated from Watertown High School. One of his earliest accomplishments was achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. In 1948 he enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Keppler DD-765, patrolling the Formosa Strait as part of the 7th fleet until 1952.

He returned to Watertown and married the love of his life, Shirley Burnett in 1954. They began creating the warm home which expressed the hospitality for which they were later known. Howard attended UW-Madison starting in 1953. After receiving his undergraduate degree he enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked at the Lincoln Laboratory. He earned his doctorate degree studying mathematics in 1961. In 1962 he began his career at UW-Madison as a faculty member in the math department. During the 1960's Howard moved his family to New York to work at the Rockefeller Institute. He returned to UW-Madison in 1968 and retired in 1995. His greatest career role was as "Grandpa" to his five grandchildren: Isabel (17), Hannah, (14), Julia (14), Lauren (11) and Martin (6).

Howard had many interests and enjoyed rousing discussions about almost everything. He was a born storyteller with an unlimited supply of jokes. He enjoyed the great outdoors spending time running, biking, canoeing, fly fishing, camping at Point Beach state park, and in later years, relaxing at the Dieter's family cabin. He volunteered at Homecrafters, the Bethesda thrift shop, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church's Young at Heart. He loved his shelties Ashley, Taffy, and Piper, walking them miles each day.

Howard could often be found at his son Daniel's band performances, from Stavin Chain, to The Rousers, The Waterdogs, The Midwesterners, and Cris Plata. For forty years, many of Madison's best known musicians spent hours practicing in Howard's basement. He was also involved with the Madison United Soccer club with his middle son, Geoffrey. There was always an open door in Howard and Shirley's home for their children's friends; some of them staying for years. Howard spent many hours talking with and being lovingly cared for by his daughter Susie, transferring the family history on to the next generation.

He enjoyed lunch with colleagues at Lazy Jane's and coffee with his good friends Rollie, Ev, and daughter Susie, at the University Avenue McDonalds. He returned to the seas many times enjoying travel and time spent with Ev in Alaska, Canada, the Caribbean, Greece, and other ports of call.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 49 years, Shirley, their daughter Julee, and his sister, Mary Jane Conner. Howard is survived by his children: Daniel (Marla Peebles-Conner) of Lake Mills; Geoffrey (Alison Rice); and daughter Susan Conner-Dieter (Daniel Dieter); grandchildren, Isabel Conner, Hannah Conner, Julia Conner-Dieter, Lauren Conner-Dieter, and Martin Conner. He is further survived by loving companion and friend, Evelyn Gerry. Howard often said, "I did not know lightning could strike twice." Howard will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on December 6, 2014 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Blackhawk Country Club, 3606 Blackhawk Drive, Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, 5395 E Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711 or the UW Foundation (Math Scholarships), US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807.

The family would like to thank Joann and Terri and the staff at Agrace Hospice for their compassion and care and all of the friends and family who visited to make Howard's last summer one full of memories and love.


Cress Funeral Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(I608) 238-3434