Howard (Howie) Silverstein 15 November 1936 – 03 March 2023

Howard Silverstein left us on March 3, 2023, after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. But the disease did not beat him. No! When Howie died the disease died, too. So technically, it was a tie. Howie was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. As a kid growing up surrounded by a large family, he played baseball, he watched baseball, and he talked about baseball. He put himself through college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, followed by a Juris Doctor from George Washington University in Washington D.C. While attending Northeastern University, he joined the U.S. Army ROTC and commissioned as an officer upon graduation. While on active duty as a 1st Lieutenant, he decided that he wanted to lose his Boston accent, so he studiously taught himself how to talk “neutral”, as he would laughingly say. After completing his active-duty requirement, Howie went to work at the U.S. Patent Office in Washington D.C. as a Patent Examiner and bought a used Porsche “bachelor car.” It was during that period that he attended law school at night. Also, during that period, he met his future wife, Karen Engesether, from Rice Lake. After graduation and passing the bar exam, Howie worked at the U.S. Department of Interior as a Patent Attorney. At this time, he married Karen, welcomed their first child together, and sold the bachelor car. Later, he went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture rising to the position of Chief Patent Attorney, where he served out the remainder of his professional career. Howie and Karen, along with their children, Cari and Greg, visited Rice Lake at least twice per year during his entire 44-year career in Washington D.C. Upon his retirement in 2004, Howie and Karen moved to Rice Lake permanently. While living the good life in Rice Lake, Howie got involved in many activities that he thoroughly enjoyed: the Elks, the Lions, tutoring math at the high school, volunteering at the hospital, installing Lifelines, working at the food pantry, and fishing trips with the guys. He also thrived as a stage actor at the Northern Star Theatre with roles in 12 Angry Men, Spamalot, Bye Bye Birdie, and more. Most of all, Howie cherished all the good friends he had in Rice Lake. The breakfasts, the dinners, the cocktail hours, the conversations and the laughs. He was immediately accepted and understood by his Rice Lake friends, who embraced his enduring Boston accent, recognized his wit, intelligence and empathy. Know that he felt your love.

Howie was preceded in death by his parents, Hyman and Beatrice Silverstein and by his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Paul Rosenberg. He is survived by his wife, Karen and their children, Cari (Robert) Tobin, Greg (Kimberly) Silverstein,grandchildren, Keith Tobin, Rebecca (Jon) Perkins, Tysen Silverstein and step grandchildren, Hansen McIlvaine and Kailey McIlvaine.

Howie’s family appreciates the caregivers and staff at Woodstone Senior Living, as well as the hospice staff, who were invaluable and tender during difficult times.

There will be no funeral or celebration-of-life gatherings. Howie would be most honored to hold a place in the hearts of his friends, and for them to take a moment to reflect on the pleasant memories that they shared. Memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Last Update: Mar 07, 2023 11:52 am CST