Howard Boese

Howard F. Boese, age 99 years of age, died peacefully on August 18, 2021, with his daughter Mary by his side. Born December 25, 1921 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the only child of Oswald and Ella (Wilsky) Boese. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeannette " Sunny", son Mark Howard and wife Donna (Mis). Survived by daughter Mary (Daniel) Boehnlein, grandsons Benjamin and Nicholas Boehnlein, and step-sons Ron and Gary Mis. Howard was a well known Athletic Director, coach and teacher at MUS and University School of Milwaukee. He attended Hi Mount Grade School and Washington High School from 1937-1940. He was proud to be one of the infamous High Mount "Rover Boys". His athletic prowess was unmatched. From 1937 -1939 he captained the Washington High's City Championship football and basketball teams. In 1939 , he led the State in basketball scoring. He was named All-City in both sports. He was a stand out in Milwaukee Majors AA Baseball and turned down offers to play professional baseball in the majors, but chose to pursue his education. Howie attended UW-Madison and played football and baseball. In 1942 he starred for the Badger Baseball Team. WWII interrupted his collegiate career and in 1943 he entered the Army Air Corps, flying single engine fighter planes and training new pilots, achieving the rank of 1st LT. In 1946, he returned to UW Madison to again play baseball for " Dynie" Mansfield and was named team captain and led the Badgers to their first Big Ten Championship in 16 years. Mansfied was later quoted as saying ' Howie was the finest baseball player and athlete he ever coached'. After graduation, he took a job at MUS as a math teacher and coach. He continued playing Milwaukee Major AA baseball and was the league's batting champion with a whopping .478 BA. Again the NY Yankees and Chicago Cubs tried to sign him. However, he chose to remain at MUS as the newly named Athletic Director, teacher and football and baseball coach until his retirement from USM in 1980. With all of these accomplishments, his proudest achievement was his family. His son Mark played baseball for him at University School and then went on to play at Valparaiso University. Mark died unexpectedly at age 33 from complications of diabetes. Mary pursued a career in nursing and gave Howard two grandsons Ben and Nick. He was very supportive in all their sports. Visitation will be held on Monday August 30th at Wisconsin Memorial Park , 13235 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield, WI . from 12 Noon until 2PM with services to follow. Donations appreciated to the American Diabetes Foundation, University School of Milwaukee or charity of your choice. "You win with class and you lose with class" Howard Boese