Howard L. Milkman, 83, of Kenosha passed away on May 11, 2024, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in the arms of Jean, his wife of 57 years. Further survived by his daughter, Jennifer Vettrus; son Peter Milkman and his wife Diana Velasquez, and Granddaughter Skylar; and sister Linda Zwart and husband Reinier Zwart.
Howard was born on May 10, 1941, in Bridgeport, CT, the son of the late Howard and Anita (Quay) Milkman Sr. He grew up in Queens and White Plains, NY. Howard married Jean Kingsland on June 3, 1967, at Miller Chapel in Princeton, NJ. He served as clergy at Presbyterian churches in Cheltenham, PA, Metuchen, NJ, North Plainfield, NJ, Springfield, IL, and Downers Grove, IL. He also served as a marriage & family therapist for many years.
Howard earned a Bachelor’s degree in US History at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, and Master’s degrees in theology and divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, and a PhD in Religious Education at New York University in New York, NY. He received training in therapy at Sangamon State University.
Howard was involved in the establishment of CROP walks in New Jersey and Illinois to raise money to feed the hungry. He was also involved with Habitat for Humanity, Sertoma and Meals On Wheels.
Howard and Jean traveled throughout Italy, France, and Switzerland for three weeks as newlyweds, and enjoyed annual vacations in Weld, Maine and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and traveling up and down the East Coast visiting dear ones, and finding a tranquil spot to sit and read in each place. Most precious about those times were time spent with family and friends.
Howard loved to read and watch films and discuss them with friends. He published a book of poetry called Figments. He enjoyed cheering on the Cubs, Bears, and the Bulls.
If you would like to give a memorial gift in Howard’s memory, please consider supporting the CROP Walk (Church World Services), Habitat for Humanity,or Meals on Wheels program in your community.
A memorial service will be held on Friday June 7th at 1 p.m. at St Luke Presbyterian Church, 5235 Fairview Ave, Downers Grove, IL.
A service for burial will be held on Tuesday June 11th at Norbeck Memorial Park, 16225 Batchellors Forest Rd, Olney MD. More details to follow.
