Howard C. Aderhold
May 01, 1929 - October 02, 2025
Obituary
LODI - Howard Clifford Aderhold, 96, died on October 2, 2025, in Prairie du Sac, WI.
Born on May 1, 1929, in a log farmhouse in Cogan Station, PA, Howard was the son of the late Leslie and Verda (Isbell) Aderhold. He graduated from Williamsport High School and worked as a logger in the surrounding mountains before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1948. As a radio operator, he served honorably in the Korean War, including fighting at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Upon his return, Howard studied radio communications and electronics at the Williamsport Technical Institute under the G.I. Bill. He parlayed his education into a job with Curtiss-Wright Corp., where he began his career working with nuclear research and test reactors. In 1963, he accepted a position at Cornell University as the Operations Manager of the Ward Center for Nuclear Sciences. In 1996, he was appointed director of the Center. A long-time member of the American Nuclear Society, Howard was especially known for pioneering creative uses for neutron radiography. He retired after 43 years of service at Cornell, eventually settling in Montoursville, PA, and later in Lodi, WI. Howard subsequently remained active in veterans’ organizations including the Korean War Veterans, the Marine Corps League, the American Legion, and the VFW, often serving in the honor guard.
Howard had a deep love for the outdoors and adventure. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and international travel, with memorable trips to Europe, Africa, and Asia. At the age of 49, he took up running, joining the Finger Lakes Running Club (serving as president for a time), and went on to average two marathons per year for the next 14 years. Known for his long, vivid stories around the dinner table and campfire, Howard always had an easy laugh and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Above all, Howard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. For 63 years, he was the loving husband of Florence Mae (Curry) Aderhold.
He is survived by his daughter, Elaine Aderhold (Bill Dalrymple) of Middleton, WI; step-son, Norman Cowden (Mary Ann) of Duboistown, PA; son-in-law, Louis Friedman; grandchildren, Michael Friedman (Isela), Chris Friedman, Linda McKinley (Paul), Rachel Narr (Tom), Kajsa Dalrymple (Jeff Kritzman), and Kelsey Dalrymple (Joel Phillips); five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; and sister Alice Neyhart. Also surviving is honorary son, Scott Lassell, and his family.
In addition to his wife and parents, Howard was preceded in death by four brothers: Charles, Harold, Harrison, and Donald Aderhold; six sisters: Mabel Huggins, Grace Porter, Ruth Doebler, Sally Shaffer, Olive Russell, and Pearl Long; and step-daughter, Connie Lou Friedman.
The family would like to thank all of Howard’s caregivers over the years, including Crystal, Susan, and all the staff at The Pines and Agrace HospiceCare.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ice Age Trail Alliance, P.O. Box 128, 2110 Main Street, Cross Plains, WI 53528. A private family gathering is planned.
For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201