Doris Howman

MIDDLETON- Doris A. Howman passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in her sleep on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. She was born on May 9, 1932, in Berlin, Wis., and grew up on the family farm along with her seven brothers and sisters. Doris graduated from Berlin High School in 1950. She continued her education at Wisconsin State College - Oshkosh (now UW-Oshkosh), where she graduated in 1954 with a degree in Elementary Education and was a member of Kappa Gamma (now Gamma Phi Beta). She taught in Waukesha, Madison and Middleton. Doris had begun work towards her Master's Degree at UW-Madison, where she was introduced to James Howman on a blind date through mutual friends. They were married within the year, on Dec. 26, 1959. They started a family, and Doris left teaching to raise their two daughters. Doris thoroughly enjoyed working with children. She returned to the classroom first as an aide, then later as a volunteer in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District. Doris and Jim moved to the All Saints community ten years ago. This allowed her to continue her passion in life which was socializing with friends and family. She liked to kid around with people and enjoyed a good laugh. Her time at All Saints was enriched by her beloved caregivers, Phil and Katie as well as friends. Phil and Katie made it possible for Doris to live independently. Doris was forever grateful to Phil and Katie for the exceptional care and support they provided. She lived a life well lived. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and love to Phil and Katie. Doris is survived by her daughters, Beth (Dr. Michael) Howman-Combs of Ripon and Jill (Cary) Bremigan of Madison; grandchildren, Steven and Emily Combs, Ripon; sisters, Barbara Kurczek and Julie (Richard) Sobralski of Berlin and Jane Werner of Greenfield; brother, David (Jane) Bednarek of Wauwatosa; sisters in-law, Katherine Howman of Neenah and Fran Bednarek of Berlin; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Isadore and Bridget Bednarek; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Henrietta Howman; her brothers, Eugene, Dr. Thomas and Francis Bednarek; her brothers in-law, Frank Kurczek, Merlin Werner, Richard Howman and Stanley Howman; and her sisters in-law, Joan Bednarek and Georgia Bednarek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave, Middleton, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, with a luncheon following the service. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Madison. Memorials can be made to the family for a gift to the Middleton - Cross Plains School district or to Wisconsin Public Television, 821 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706. Mom you are greatly loved and will be missed! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761