Marianne Howard

Marianne Howard, age 83, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Monday, January 12, 2026 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Timothy Ritter will officiate. Interment will be at a later date at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.

Marianne was born October 24, 1942 in Wisconsin Rapids to Paul and Ann (Klovdahl) Bengert. She graduated from Lincoln High School. She married James Howard on December 4, 1965 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.

Marianne worked as a noon aide at Mead Elementary School and later as a cleaner for local homes and businesses.

Marianne loved to visit and was a regular at local TOPS meetings and the South Wood County YMCA. She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and its Evening Guild. She regularly attended the church’s coffee hour and enjoyed the fellowship that went along with it. She was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She and Jim also enjoyed attending Wisconsin Rapids Rafters baseball games.

Marianne loved to travel and took special trips to Disney World and down to Graceland, home of her favorite singer, Elvis Presley. She also enjoyed trips to Branson and Mackinac Island. She had a special love for animals, especially her dog Honey.

Marianne is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Jim; son, Jeff (Chris) Howard; grandchildren: Matt, Jonathan, Alex, Zachary, Seth, Gracie, and Rosetta; brother, Richard (Jackie) Bengert; sister, Pauline (Bill) Anderson; sister-in-law, Bev Fiegel; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law: Roy Fiegel, John Howard, and Melvin Howard.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the exceptional care she received.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.