Howard Melton Dunham

After a brief, sudden illness Major Howard M. Dunham, 94, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, September 16th. Howard was born in Lake Tomahawk at home on January 1, 1922. Howard graduated from Rhinelander High School and briefly attended the UW-Madison until WWII began. During that conflict he proudly served as a B-17 navigator flying many dangerous missions over Berlin, Germany. And again served his country with more missions during the Korean War. Howard continued to serve the US Air Force as a distinguished officer attaining the rank of Major at the end of his 20 year military career. It should be noted that he was extremely proud of his active duty and was a lifelong member of the local chapter of the American Legion Post 318.

After his military service, he worked for Western and Eastern Airlines in the same capacity and when he met his wife, Ellen. Upon his retirement from flying, he returned to his beloved home town and became very active in the logging business, in his community serving several terms as town chairman and with the Lions Club.

Howard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Ellen; his five Children; Howard S (Jamie) Dunham, Debbie (Al), Diane (Brad) Ward, Martin (Sharon) Dunham, and Carolyn Albertson; his Sister, Hazel Hentchel and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Those proceeding Howard in death include his parents, Herbert and Leona Dunham; his Sisters, Emily (Paul) Walters, Francis (Otto) Strasburg and brother, Alan (Nancy) Dunham.

As per Howard’s wishes he was interred in the Wilderness Rest Cemetery in Lake Tomahawk on Sunday, September 18th. We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Conde and his staff in the ICU and Palliative Care Units at the Howard Young Medical Center and the Seasons of Life staff also in Woodruff for their exceptional care and kindness. Words will never adequately express the family’s appreciation for the comfort and care they provided.

Howard traveled all over the world during his tenure as an Air Force Officer, but he always maintained that there was nowhere better than his home town. He loved Lake Tomahawk, his long walks through the woods on his tree farm with his loyal dog, Casey. He was a skilled woodsman and BBQ grill master. He served his country proudly and was a great ambassador for his community. He will be missed by many.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”-Isaiah 40:8