Howard "Howie" E. Mackey

Howard E. “Howie” Mackey, 78, longtime resident of Superior, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. He courageously fought and beat cancer three times before dementia took over.

Howie was born on February 3, 1946, in Moose Lake, MN, the son of Howard F. and Martha V. (Zasoski) Mackey.

He graduated from the former East High School in Superior, in the class of 1965. After graduating, Howie was drafted into the United States Army and served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. It was there he was exposed to Agent Orange, which had a negative effect on his health.

Howie married the love of his life, Annette Johnson, on June 20, 1970, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Superior. They celebrated fifty-three wonderful years together and raised two beautiful daughters.

Howie worked for The Superior Evening Telegram for over 30 years and retired as a Production Manager.

Howie was a talented handyman and carpenter. You could often find him in his home workshop completing various projects. For many years he enjoyed spending his time, in the summer, at Swanson’s Campground in Solon Springs with family and friends. Above all, Howie loved his family, and nothing made him happier than being called “Papa Howie” by all the children in his life. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Annette Mackey; daughters Angie (Jeff) Fox, Buffalo, MN, and Heather (Paul Schrader) Mackey, Superior; grandchildren Allison (Joe Hall) Johnson, Sadie Fox, and Leo Fox; great-granddaughter Shelby Haberling; brothers Roger, Chuck, and Dan (Kelly) Mackey; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Howie is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kate Solomon.

Howie’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the ACU staff at Twin Ports Health in Superior and the nursing staff at Miller Dwan 5th Floor, for the kind and compassionate care they provided Howie.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2316 E. 4th St in Superior, and will continue until the Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as officiant. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorials may be made in Howie’s name to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 98, Superior, WI 54880.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th St in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.