Howard Schlueter

Madison - Howard F. Schlueter passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on January 29, 2021 while wintering in Naples, Florida. He was born June 22, 1940, to Ferdinand and Elsie (Raatz) Schlueter in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Howard spent his childhood summers on Silver Lake in Wautoma in the cottage his father built. As a teenager, he was proud to have the fastest boat on the lake. His need for speed and love of cars led him to the world of drag racing. Countless weekends were spent at Union Grove, Byron Dragway and other tracks across the country. He passed that passion on to his son Mike and grandsons Clay and Taylor. The three of them spent summer nights working on their cars together getting ready for the next race. He was a well loved and respected member of the drag racing community and will be greatly missed by his extended racing family.

Howard graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in accounting. He worked for many years at Tracor Northern in Middleton before opening his own accounting practice, Howard Schlueter and Associates. He retired in November 2018. During his long run as a public accountant, he also owned Business Mini Data Systems which took him all over the country selling computer systems. He was a devoted father and grandfather who worked hard to provide for his family.

Over the last several years, Howard quietly battled Parkinson’s. He courageously modified his dragster and his life to manage new limitations from the disease. His life partner, Lori, lovingly supported him through each new challenge. Retirement was not quite what they expected, but they thoroughly enjoyed spending winters in Florida.

Howard is survived by his partner, Lori Pellitteri, his son, Mike, grandchildren, Clay, Taylor, and Breanna, his daughters, Megan (Brian) Wiedenhoeft, Shelley (Jeff) Dietrich, Misty (Miles) McGettigan, and eight additional grandchildren. He is also survived by Lori’s daughters, Jen Pellitteri and Cindi (Jason) Stampfli as well as their children, Blake, Jackson, and Trinity who affectionately refer to him as Grandpa.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, on Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 3:00 pm. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 pm. until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Parkinson’s Foundation.

A memorial race will be held at Byron Dragway this summer.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434