Howard E. Litza

Heaven welcomed a beautiful soul on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 when Howie opened his eyes and saw Jesus. This faith-filled man who was young at heart, cherished his family as a devoted husband, loving father of 3 daughters, proud grandpa of 6 and great-grandpa of 7. Howie's faith had no boundaries. He was a Prayer Warrior with a life-long devotion to St. Gerard. He prayed daily for his entire family including nieces, nephews, Godchildren & friends of friends. A simple ask and Howie's response always was, "I'll add them to my list". Over the decades, Howie's St. Gerard prayer list grew to include over 100 people; his day simply did not begin until 'his Gerard's' were said.... Howie proudly served in the United States Army from 1951-1953 in the Military Police, stationed in Tokyo during the Korean War. He looked back on his military service with pride, but also humility. He would say, "I did what was asked of me; they wrote, I answered". The military has paid me back time and time again". Howie took part in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with his daughter as his guardian, initially reluctant to do so because he felt unworthy; he ultimately participated in what he then called, "the trip of a lifetime!" Howie lived a faith-filled life with unparalleled joy, inspiring those around him to do the same. His spirit and out-look on life never ceased to amaze his family and all who loved him. Howie lived humbly and gratefully, loved us all deeply and always trusted God - a legacy we are all privileged and challenged to carry on. Beloved husband of Kathy for 56 years. Loving father of Patty (Kevin), Sue (Steve), Kathy (Dave). Devoted Grandpa of Emily (Kyle), Michael, Amanda, Kyle (Jamie), Josh (Jessica), Joe (Kay). Proud Great-Grandpa, "Big Papa", of Maddie, Mackenzie, Hazel, Nate, Connor, Victor, Camilla. Further survived by other family & friends and preceded in death by his sister Virginia, brother Dan and his sister and best friend, Germaine. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Milwaukee VA Hospital, Hospice Team, Clinic Staff and the Home-Based Primary Care Team for providing Howie with the best care anywhere. He was treated always with respect and professionalism, compassion and clinical expertise; we will be forever grateful. Visitation to be held at St. James Catholic Church (7219 S 27th Street, Franklin, WI 53132) from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 AM. Private inurnment and military honors will be conducted at a private service at Union Grove Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Dad, you are with Mom, the love of your life and in the glory of God - we can all hear you saying..."Never Better".

Howard E. Litza

January 25, 1930 - November 12, 2024