Grace L. Howard

Grace L. Howard, 81 of Edgerton, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on September 20, 2026.

Grace was born January 16, 1945, in Waterloo, the daughter of Harvey and Alice (McGovern) Kilian. She graduated from Waterloo High School. Grace spent her early years in Madison, where she got married and started a family before moving to Janesville and later settling in Edgerton. In 2000, Grace moved to Missouri for almost 17 years. She then returned to Wisconsin in retirement to spend time with her family and enjoyed monthly lunches with her siblings. Grace had a passion for travel, especially to see her friends and family, and was always up for a road trip no matter how far. She liked to reminisce about her childhood on the family farm and loved to talk about her memories. Grace was incredibly proud to have achieved 51 years of sobriety as part of AA, where she mentored and helped others on their sobriety journey. She attended many conferences and was involved with numerous groups in support of others.

Grace is survived by: her children Sandra (Bill) Howard, Dale (Kathy) Howard, and David (Amy) Howard; grandchildren Sydney, Alyssa, Rob, Dawn, Holly, Devin, Josh, Levi, Kali, Laci, Haylie, Holden, Kayla, Kaleb, and Kenedi; 7 great-grandchildren; siblings Joe (Lynda), Jim, May (Lawrence), Pat (Pam), and Rose; sister-in-law Carol Kilian; and special friend Jo Ann Burke. Grace is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Grace is preceded in death by her parents and a number of siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home of Waterloo. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Grace will be laid to rest at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Waterloo following the service.