Howard Kanetzke

Howard Kanetzke, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025 at Oakwood in Madison with family at his side.

Howard was born in Mount Pleasant, WI, and grew up on his family farm between Kenosha and Racine. His love of the earth and growing was carried forward throughout life.

He attended Augustana College and U.W. Madison, graduating with degrees in history, education and school administration. He later competed a degree in piano pedagogy at Edgewood College. Howard served in the Army.

He moved from teaching history to a 37-year career with the State Historical Society. There, he shared his talents developing format as Educational Curator, writing and editing Badger History magazine monthly for elementary and junior high school curriculum. Along with the creation and development of hands-on museum exhibits and Historic Sites around the state, he was involved in creating radio and television programming, and live music programs performed with Lucetta Kanetzke.

He was creative in the renovation of their Crestwood Community home and gardens, where Howard and Lucetta raised their three children.  Their son Neil shared Howard's green thumb and talent for growing things.

Howard played the piano, organ, and harpsicord. He helped create the Wisconsin Music Heritage Society. He collected Wisconsin music in many forms, which he donated to the Mills Music Library. His love of music was a rich thread woven throughout his life, connecting him with so many who shared that appreciation.

Howard was a gardener, of the soil and spirit. He nurtured everything and everyone in his care. In retirement, Howard also enjoyed researching his family's genealogy, playing and teaching piano, and spending his time with family and friends. He spent time serving many organizations through volunteering and was the recipient of a United Way Community Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Service.

Howard's prolonged illness had a silver lining, in time that was filled with family and friends connecting and surrounding him with music and love.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Margaret Kanetzke, his step mother, Mary Kanetzke, sister Joyce Kanetzke, and son Neil Kanetzke.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Lucetta of 68 years, daughters Laurel (Chuck) Zeier and Laura Adams, daughter-in-law, Sherry Kanetzke, grandchildren Kevin Zeier (Marta Bittner), Katrina (Dave) Bennett, Adam Kanetzke (Jenny Weiss), Christina "Cina" Barlow, Angel Perron (Jason Hendrickson), and four great grandchildren.

Howard was cherished by his family, friends and extended family at the Community of Hope UCC, where Howard and Lucetta were founding members. A celebration of his life will be held there, at a later date to be announced.

Our particular appreciation is extended to his wonderful pastors, chaplain, and church family, to Bristol Hospice, Oakwood Preferred Hospice, and Oakwood Hebron staff. These kind, dedicated caregivers provided special comfort and support.

In Howard's memory, memorials may be made to organizations close to his heart; or plant something special to remember him by.

Community of Hope UCC

Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens

Lussier Community Education Center

Moon Beach UCC Camp

Ho-Chink Nation Higher Education/Scholarship Fund

Wisconsin PBS

Wisconsin National Public Radio

Remember Howard with a smile and music!