Obituary
Jeff Steven Howland
Jeff Steven Howland, 66, of La Crosse Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30th, 2023 at his home in La Crosse. He was born on February 4th, 1957 to William Harold and Eileen Mae Howland. He married Julie Czechowicz on September 17th, 1983 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Jeff was a happy and positive person his whole life. He had many friends growing up throughout La Crosse. Jeff graduated from Central High School in 1975. After graduation, he attended welding school and shortly after began a Union Boilermaker Apprenticeship. He was a proud member of Boilermakers Local 107 for 35 years. He worked at power utilities and paper mills in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, California, and Hawaii, to include Cassville, Genoa, Alma, French Island, Lansing, the “10 Pack” at Heilemens in La Crosse, and more utilities in eastern Wisconsin. He was one of the boilers known as “The River Rats.” The latter part of his career he was Superintendent on many projects for Moorehead Machinery at Dairyland Power. He made a lot of great friends along the way and he spoke of them often.
For Jeff’s first 43 years when he wasn’t working during the summer, it was almost a guarantee he was on the golf course somewhere! Jeff was a well known golfer around the area, competing in and winning countless TRGA tournaments. Not only known for playing golf, he had a side business building custom golf clubs named The Club Doctor. He built clubs for many of the great players around the Coulee Region which made him very proud. He developed many friendships playing golf over the years, especially at The Golf Club at Cedar Creek. He had many friends at the course who he could play a round with and then enjoy a Windsor 7 afterwards. Jeff is now playing golf in Heaven with his longest golfing friend, the late Eric Iverson (Ivy). Summer days when he wasn’t swinging a club, Jeff and Julie had many fun times being on the river with their great friends Julie and AJ.
Jeff and Cole spent countless numbers of hours working on their racecars together for 23 years, teaching each other both about life as well as racing. Jeff taught Cole how to set goals and be dedicated, and Cole taught Jeff that a grinder isn’t the only tool made to cut things. Whether it was a race night they won the Feature, or had a tough night, they always did it together. And he beamed with pride knowing that.
In September of 2020, and September of 2022, Cole and his wife Cathryn made Jeff and Julie grandparents to Margaret Mae and Emerie Jean Howland. As great of a passion Jeff had for both golf and racing, being grandpa (Pops) was his greatest calling. Margaret yelling, “Pops!” and Emerie’s lip bubbles made him smile and laugh bigger than he ever had! He sure loved these two girls and gave them both all of his heart.
Winter trips with his wife Julie to Florida, watching Packer games on Sundays and texting Gary Michaels back and forth about how bad the coaching is, wheeling and dealing on the internet, or always building the best golf club or racecar, Jeff was passionate about everything he did. Throughout his health battle, he never lost his positive attitude and fight to survive and his family is so proud of him for that. Julie did a remarkable job being his primary caregiver and that didn’t go unnoticed. Jeff is deeply missed by many.
The Howland Family would like to give a special thank you to St. Croix Hospice. You are a wonderful group of people and you made our difficult time so much easier.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Julie, Mother in Law, Jean Czechowicz, his son Cole (Cathryn) and his two granddaughters, Margaret and Emerie. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Eileen Howland, and Father in Law Ray Czechowicz.
A celebration of life will be held at the Fox Hollow Banquet Hall in Barre Mills on Sunday, August 27th, from 2-5 pm.
Julie and Family. I’m so sorry to hear of Jeff’s passing.
Sending hugs, prayers, and healing thoughts your way.
Kay Guberud
I’m so sorry Julie, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
I got to know Jeff when I worked at the LaCrosse speedway selling tires to the race teams in 2018. He was a great guy and will be truly missed by many.
Julie and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Sending our most sincere condolences.
Wendy and Mike
I am so sad to hear about Jeff! Jeff was a wonderful person and friend. Jeff and I dated for a year in high school. He was so kind and thoughtful. My parents loved Jeff and so did everyone in my family. Rest in peace my dear friend. love you forever!
I was honored he stood for me at my wedding Best Man here Best Man upstairs. I wish his wife all the best. Sorry I didn’t keep up with him tried on FB. I’m at a lost just lost. Bless You Please view on YouTube ‘Scot Drumond “Heaven” and see if you will get the Hand Shake to Heaven like Jeff did:( See you upstairs Jeff:(
This is a beautiful, heartfelt tribute written about Jeff’s life that was ended way to soon.
He was taken at such a young age when he had so much left to give and so much life yet to enjoy.
My condolences to Julie, Cole, Cathryn and his beautiful granddaughters. RIP Jeff
Julie & family Our sincere condolences on the passing of Jeff. Way too young for sure! May all your wonderful memories help you get through this difficult time! You are in our thoughts & prayers?
Julie, Cole, Cathryn, and the girls –
We are so very sorry for your loss!! Jeff was a great man that will be missed by all that knew him! He built us many sets of golf clubs and we shared many rounds of golf together, and the 19th hole too. We also loved going to LaCrosse Speedway and watching Cole race. We knew how very proud Jeff was of their accomplishments!! We will always remember Jeff’s positive attitude, smile, and laugh!! He may be gone from this earth, but will remain in our hearts until we meet again!! May all the wonderful memories help ease your sorrow and bring you comfort! You are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Loved talking golf and racing with Jeff at the golf shop.
His positive attitude and common sense approach to
everything has left a impact on me.
Rest in peace, good friend.
Julie and family – Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.
Julie and family,
I had the privilege of meeting you and Jeff at Cole & Catie, I Do BBQ.
Going to the racetrack with Karin & Jeff I could see the special bond between Cole & his Dad.
Our deepest sympathies are with you. May your loving memories ease your loss.