Dean Arthur Howarth

Dean A. Howarth was born at Mercy Hospital, Janesville on February 20, 1932, the only child of Arthur and Lu (Riemer) Howarth. Dean was raised on the family farm at the corner of County A and Highway 14. After graduating from Janesville High School, Dean enlisted in the US Air Force and spent his years of service in Rome, New York. During that time he was married to Judy Henning and their first two children (Robin and Kim) were born there. The young family moved back to the family farm and produced three more kids (Chuck, John “Wally”, and Jane). Shortly thereafter the family moved to the city of Janesville and Dean began his career at Gilman Engineering (Giddings Lewis) where he stayed until his retirement.

Dean had a number of hobbies, but he truly enjoyed cars. He could often be heard sharing stories of the fantastic deal he got on his latest ride. He shared that passion with his kids. Dean also thoroughly enjoyed music and had a large and eclectic collection of albums and later CDs. Dean introduced many people to boating and each of the kids learned to water ski on the Rock River. He was a lifelong member of Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.

Like his mother, Dean loved cats and always made a point of talking to the family pets first. Dean’s last cat, Murphy, was his constant companion. Murphy died in February.

Dean and Eileen “Leen” Allen were married in 2003 and enjoyed 22 good years together. Dean welcomed Leen’s three kids (Sue, Bob and Jan) into the family and treated them as if they were his own - joking and teasing included.

Dean was a great conversationalist and was very good at remembering people’s names. He was always ready to hear or share a good story.

Dean is survived by his wife Leen, his five children Robin White, Delavan; Kim (Tracy) Howarth, Delavan; Chuck (Cindy) Howarth, Janesville; Wally Howarth, Whitehall; and Jane (Mike Wallace) Shea, De Pere as well as Leen’s children and their families: Bob Allan, Chaska, MN; Sue (Walt) Scott, Rockford; Jan (Doug) Sreenan, Rockford. Dean also had seven grandchildren: Jesse, Adam, Heather, Jordan, Aubrey, Matt and Julienne as well as 8 great grandchildren: Amara, Quentin, Mallory, Harrison, Mason, Max, Winsley and Lenyx. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Willowick Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Dean for the last three months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Human Society of Southern Wisconsin or Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025, at ROCK PRAIRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 8605 East County Road A, Janesville. Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the Church from Noon to 1:30 p.m. May 19th. The Howarth family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.