Obituaries & Guestbook

Howard “Howie” Durow, age 83, of The Town of Wilson, passed away peacefully surround by loving family Wednesday, November 22nd at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan. Born and raised in Black River, Howie was the only child of Leonard and Tilly Durow and came into this world on August 7th, 1940. Howie would end his long life in the house his father built, along with his loving wife of 45 years Linda (Schultz), in Black River. Howie and Linda loved Black River as he should since he was 3rd generation Black Riverian. Howie lived an exciting life with many accomplishments.
As a youth, Howie achieved Double Eagle Scout. A graduate of Sheboygan Central High in 1958, Howie was a Star Pitcher and Football player and was even given a try out at Pitcher for the Milwaukee Braves. He began college at UW-Sheboygan but dropped out to serve his country with two tours as an MP in the US Army. Howie defended democracy for the people of Berlin, Germany when he was Called to Emergency Duty in the Berlin Crisis of 1961.
Upon returning to Sheboygan, Howie really turned up the volume on his passion….Sports. In 1965, Howie began weight lifting. He went on to become an amateur State Heavy Weight Champ and then National Champion. In 1968 he rose to the ranks of Super Heavy Weight Power Lifter weighing 297 lbs and Power Lifting Totals of 1820 lbs. Howie captured 3rd in the Nationals in 1968 and 2nd and 1969. He was on his way to 1st in the Nation when he ripped his pectoral muscle 1 month prior to the Nationals. However, that didn’t stop Howie from Sports. He dropped 70 lbs and started Pitching again for the Sheboygan A’s. He then went on to play Semi-Pro Football in the CSFL (Central States Football League) and played until the age of 43. Howie Played for the Redwings until their demise, The Delavan Red Devils and finally the Highland Park Gladiators in Chicago.
Although Howie also loved really, really cool cars and bikes, he also was an extremely hard worker. Howie was a 13 year Veteran of the Sheboygan Police Department. After early retirement he finished his work career at Polar Ware Co but continued to work part-time at Johnsonville Sausage until the Age of 73. Howie is survived by wife, Linda (Schulz). Children; Jerilyn Kooistra, Lennie (Elda) Durow and Laura (Mike) Marchiando — In-Laws Barb Schulz (Husband Tim whom recently passed) and Kathy Schulz (Dennis ). Howie also left (7) Grand Children, (8) Great-Grand Children; Nephew Shane (Rachel) Henkel and his 3 wonderful children, Anna, Kylie and Ace.
Howie will be deeply missed. In Lieu of Flowers/Memorials, the Family asks that you please make a donation to the Sheboygan Based Charity, HearthStone of Wisconsin https://hearthstonewi.org/ in remembrance of Howie Durow. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com