Howard Chamberlain

Howard R. Chamberlain, age 80, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2026, at his sister’s home surrounded by his family.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Jason Andersen will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Howard was born on November 3, 1945, in Wisconsin Rapids to Archie and Dorothy (Phillips) Chamberlain. He attended Lincoln High School, graduating in1963.

Howard was previously married to Bette Searl. Later, he married Barbara Rickoff on May 4, 1985, at the Saratoga Moravian Church.

He began his career at the Nekoosa mill before spending several years on the road as an over the road truck driver. He later returned to mill work as a general laborer at the Port Edwards Paper Mill, where he remained until his retirement.

In his younger years, he found excitement behind the wheel of a race car. He loved smoking meat, sharing good food, and spending time with his family. His creative side shone when he began woodworking. He crafted beautiful pieces of furniture that he often gave as gifts. A true outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter, but he especially loved fishing with his wife on Solberg Lake—catching anything willing to bite, except bass.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Barbara; children David (Kelly) Chamberlain and Marti Rued; stepchildren: Teresa (Mark) Krohn, Scott (Tawanna) Manz, and Jennifer (Jason) Lemke; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and siblings: Diane (Robert) Renner and William Chamberlain, and brother-in-law Alferdo Casas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Dorothy, his sister, Yvonne Casas, his stepson, Todd Manz, and his father and mother-in-law, Roy and Della Rickhoff, and former wife Bette Searl.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Compassus Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Howard. They would also like to offer a special thank you to his sister and brother in law for the devoted time, support, and love they so generously gave him.