Fr. William “Bill” John Hower died on July 3 at the age of 87 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh, Wis.

Father Hower was born on March 30, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., to Elmer and Julia (Devereux) Hower.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marguerite Hower.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Rosemary Hower, as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

Father Hower was raised in Chicago, where he graduated from Resurrection Parish School and Saint Ignatius College Prep.

Following high school, he attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary in St. Francis, Wis., where he completed his philosophical and theological seminary studies in preparation for the sacred priesthood.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Madison on May 30, 1964, at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Madison by Bishop William P. O’Connor of Madison.

Following his ordination to the priesthood, Father Hower held the following assignments in the Diocese of Madison as a parochial vicar (associate): Holy Mother of Consolation Parish in Oregon (1964–1966),

St. Mary Parish in Janesville (1966–1968), St. Bernard  Parish in Madison (1968–1969), St. Mary Parish in Platteville (1969–1973), Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Beloit (1973–1975), and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison (1975–1978).

In 1978, Father Hower was appointed as the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Hazel Green, where he served until 1982.

He then served as pastor of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Berlin (1982–1990), St. Jerome Parish in Columbus (1990–2000), and St. Joseph Parish in Edgerton (2000–2007). He retired from active ministry in 2007.

Along with these parish assignments, Father Hower was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as both a Fourth Degree Chaplain as well as the Wisconsin State Chaplain (1996–1998).

Father Hower also served in the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1976 to 1999, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

His military assignments took him to bases throughout the continental United States as well as England, the Azores, Spain, Italy, France, and Cuba.

Following his retirement from active ministry, Father Hower continued to assist parishes in the Dioceses of Madison and Green Bay, celebrating Masses and providing other sacramental help. He especially enjoyed celebrating Mass for the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in Oshkosh.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church, part of St. Cletus Parish, 590 S. St. Joseph’s Cir., Edgerton, on Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m., with a visitation immediately prior beginning at 10 a.m.

Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison will celebrate the Mass, with Fr. David Carrano serving as the homilist.

Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery in Edgerton will immediately follow Mass.

An additional period of visitation will be held at St. Joseph Church on Wednesday, July 8, from 3 to 6 p.m.

At the conclusion, Father Carrano will preside over a vigil liturgy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Diocese of Madison (specifically for the support of retired priests).

Apfel Ehlert Funeral Home in Edgerton is assisting the family with arrangements.