Ben Howell

MADISON - Ben Howell, age 91, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at his home.

Ben was born on February 13, 1934, in Marion, Ala., the son of Edgar and Evelyn (Fountain) Howell. He grew up between Alabama and Kentucky. As the son of a pastor, his family moved around almost every year. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College and his master’s degree from George Washington University.

In 1970, Ben joined the meteorological satellite group of the Department of Commerce and later NOAA. During this time, he met Marie “Suzy” Dexter Howell and they married on October 11, 1975, in Upper Marlboro, Md., and were able to have custody of their children. Ben’s team later transferred their offices to Madison, Wis., and combined their efforts with the Space Science and Engineering Center of the University of Wisconsin. He worked there until his retirement.

Ben was always up for trying anything new. He had the patience to teach his wife, Suzy, how to play tennis, which was their vehicle for making new friends upon arrival in Madison. Ben contributed a lot towards furthering tennis in Madison - such as participating in tournaments, volunteering to be a scorekeeper for the U.W. tennis teams, renting out the tennis clubs and organizing tennis parties, and assisting with the start-up of the U.S Tennis Association’s team tennis for Madison. Ben still has good friends from those years.

Ben also became a private pilot and owned his own Cessna 172 for a period of time. Much joy came out of the experience and he was able to continue Madison friendships by being able to go and see old tennis friends once they had left the area. Ben also took up motorcycling with Suzy and owned a Gold Wing. They traveled mostly around the State of Wisconsin and did many overnight trips. One enjoyable trip was to the area where the movie “Field of Dreams” was made. He took lessons in free-fall skydiving and made several jumps. His daughter, Linda, joined in on the fun with him.

Ben had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed barbershop singing with the Madison Capitol Chordsmen. He also sang with the Madison Symphony Chorus for several years.

Ben is survived by his wife, Suzy; sons, David (Sarit) Howell and Jimmy Howell; daughters, Amy (Mark) Laster, Kathy Duppler, Debby Rayala and Linda (Brian) McKee; grandsons, Ryan (Sadie) and Jake (Myranda); granddaughters, Sydney, Samantha and Meika; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Sophie and Oliver; brother, Stanley Howell; close family friends, Paul, Gerry, Franz, Craig and Mike Shah; as well as other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Kenneth Howell.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI  53711. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com  .

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002