Howard C. Muchow, age 69, of Galena, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, from complications of a newly diagnosed Interstitial Lung Disease. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Furlong Funeral Chapel. The burial will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, rural Galena. Howard was born on January 19, 1956, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, to Chrystal (Smith) and Kenneth Muchow Sr. Howard lived in Galena his entire life, graduating from the Galena High School Class of 1974. On April 3, 1987, he married Cyndy McCray in Galena, IL. They recently celebrated 38 happy years together. Howard completed a 40 + year career with the BNSF Railway in 2016, giving him over nine years of retirement to enjoy. He held many positions across BNSF and traveled extensively to maintain his employment. He was a consistent attendee at the monthly railroad retirees’ breakfast to forge a lasting bond with his past co-workers. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and was an avid bowler. His love of sports continued throughout his life, as he cheered on all the Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs and Bears. His love for the community showed in his regular attendance at GHS athletic events, something he continued long after his daughters had graduated. He enjoyed raising chickens and geese, tending to his huge vegetable gardens, and was proud to live at his grandparents’ farmstead for the past 35 years. Howard took his first flight at age 45, and his love of travel began. Some favorite destinations were to visit Alicia in Texas, trips to Utah, California, Canada, and numerous cities in his tradition to attend Cubs season openers. His grandkids were a light in his life. The lawn mower rides, gardening, and egg gathering were special bonding times. His family stood by his side throughout his recent health journey, showing him unconditional love, unwavering support, and reassurance that he was the best there ever was. Howard will be remembered as a warm and compassionate man, deeply devoted to the well-being of others. He made a heartfelt effort to stay connected with loved ones, no matter the distance. His memory lives on through his classic one-liners, and his charming ability to make friends anywhere he went, including his ICU nurses in his final days. Howard is survived by his wife, Cyndy Muchow, five children, Kevin Muchow, his sons, Hunter and Westyn, Keith Muchow and (Tressa Menster) and his 5 children and 4 grandchildren, Carissa (Nick) Biver and their children Jett and Luka, Alicia (Jayson) Owens, Miranda (Anthony Higgins, fiancé) Muchow and future step-grandson Connor. His siblings are Chrystal “Dolly” (David) Hueneke, Penny (John) Basten, Bill (Diane) Muchow, Bernie (Marilynn) Muchow, a sister-in-law, Connie Muchow, and his aunt, Jean Muchow. His in-laws are Sue (Mike) Herrick, Kathy Cupps, and Wilma “Sam” Bauer. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his dog, Lady. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his brother Kenneth “Butch” Muchow, father in laws, Eugene “Deeder” Bauer, John Glynn and Royce McCray, and five very special uncles along with their spouses, and several special friends. In lieu of flowers, gifts towards a memorial fund to support GHS Athletics can be directed to the family.
Howard C. Muchow
My deepest sympathy to the Muchow family. Howard was a great person and wonderful friend to many.
Sending love,
Susie (Murphy) Roth
Thinking of Cindy and the rest of the Muchow family. Howard was a heck of a man. He will be greatly missed by many.
This world is less today because Howard is no longer here with us. What a nice descent human being. If you were lucky to be his friend, he would look for way to help you. I learn so much about gardening from him. We shared thoughts, ideas, & seeds to make our stuff grow better. I called Howard when I was thinking about getting some chickens. I got the best help and advice from a pro. Again, the world is less today because this wonderful man left us too soon. My deepest sympathies for Cyndy and Howards wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Most sincerely,
Carla Randecker
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news about Howard. Our sincere sympathies to you & your family. 😔
Cyndy and family. I am so sorry to hear about Howard. He was such a funny and kind man. He will be missed by so many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sad to hear this, he was always there for so many of us. Cyndy and family, you have my deepest sympathy.
So sorry for your loss – way too young 😞
Hugs and prayers to all! Great guy!
Take care,
Tim & Deb Riley & family
Cindy and family,
Sending my deepest sympathy at this time of loss, Remember the good times. Yes, there will times of tears but eventually the happy memories will bring smiles.
Hugs
Dianne Phillips
Cyndy and family…
My heart is breaking for you right now
Howard was an amazing man and we felt very lucky to have you all in our lives
Cyndy and family…
My heart is breaking for you right now
Howard was an amazing man and we felt very lucky to have you all in our lives
Very sorry for your loss. May he RIP
What a friend. Lots of great times. Bear games, cub games , bowling , softball. Just hanging out. You will be missed . Still can’t believe it. Love you . Cindy, take care of the family.
Cindy,
We met Howard two years ago when getting tomatoes from him. He was so pleasant to be around. And he grew wonderful tomatoes!
We enjoy hearing from Sam about all your family events, she always mentioned Howard.
We send our Sympathies.
Nancy and Marie
Condolences – a real nice man
Cindy and Family: Sending sincere condolences. Always enjoyed visiting with Howard at all the games over the many years. He will be missed!🏴☠️ Take care and will keep you in our prayers.
The Sproules
Mike n Laurie
Cyndy and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. Ann Sertle
Cyndy and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. Howard was a great guy and will be missed by many. Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to you all❤️
Cindy and family
So sorry for your loss. At this time remember all your happy funny times and know he is watching you from Heaven. My sincere sympathies to all. Howard was a good man. RIP.
My deepest sympathy I remember hay rides in Schapville many many years ago Howard was always the life of the party praying for the family and friends
Cindy and family,
I’ll miss Howard’s smile and warm words on my walks on Pilot Knob. He was always ready with a wave. I’ll remember him walking along the roadside foraging for wild asparagus. Howard was a wonderful neighbor and will be greatly missed.
Cyndy and Family~we are so sorry to hear the sad news of Howard’s passing. May all the wonderful memories bring you peace. Sending love and big hugs ❤️
I am so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult and sad time. Howard was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Cyndy and the Muchow family, I’m so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing, He always made sure to talk to me when he was around town. If I seen him in his word truck, he would attempt to run me over so I could wave to him. I always enjoyed visiting with Howard. Sending my deepest condolences to all of you.
Cindy, and the etire Muchow Family. I just saw him at the Midwest Hospital I thought about a week ago I was waiting for the Transit to pick me up and he asked me how I was doing. He was his usual friendly and caring self. He always was a ray of sunshine and made you feel happy to be recognized by him. It made you feel worthwhile that he was your friend and really cared for you. He was a very decent and friendly man and he was so proud of all of you. So sorry for your loss. Fran Rosenthal
Cindy and Family. We are very sorry for your loss.
We had a lot of good times over the years.
He was a good man. We will always keep him in our thoughts and prays.
Bill and Aishah Bingham
me and howard started on BN the same year 1975 so that was our bond. Of all the guys I met on that job of over 40 years he had to be one of the funniest. There was never a dull moment. I’ll never forget his dilly beans which were great always. He was a good friend and great railroader. Rest in peace Howard I will not forget you.
Good friend and classmate. So glad we could visit at the Class Reunion and share some pictures. Our deepest sympathies to you all.
I am so so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Cyndy and family, I am so sorry for your devastating loss. . Howard always had a smile on his face for those he knew. Nice man. He will definitely be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. May the peace of God surround you and his promises sustain you during this difficult time. My heart aches for you. Thinking and praying for your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. May there be peace and love that surrounds you and your whole family in these days to come. Our sincere condolences. 🙏
Dear Cyndy and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Howard’s passing. Praying for you and the family to have strength, peace and lots of love in the coming days. Our sincere condolences.
Howard was a good teammate who always made me laugh. We bowled together on Herbs Barbershop team and played softball together on Dutch and Kates team.
Much too early for his life to end.
Cyndy and family. So very sorry for your loss. Howard was a classmate and all around good guy. Hold on to all the memories and know he will be watching over you and keeping you safe from above.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Howard was such a kind and special man—and oh, how I’ll miss his famous dilly beans. He truly made the best! I have so many funny memories of our Dutch and Kate baseball team shenanigans—they still make me smile. Please know I’m holding you close in my thoughts and sending love during this difficult time.
Very sad to hear this news today. I was fortunate to have played slow pitch softball with Howard for several years back in the mid 1980’s on the Ted’s Round Up team. We played league in Galena and travelled around the tri-state area playing in tournaments. Years later I would run into him at JM’s tap and we would laugh and reminisce about the old days and brag up our sports teams that we rooted for.
Good memories and laughs. I’ll always remember the days gone by.
Cyndy and family, We are so very sorry for your loss of such a great man. Howard was a classmate who was always so kind to everyone. Cherish your memories which will help fill the void in your heart. Sending our love and hugs, Gary and Vicky
Our deepest condolences, Charlie & Sheila Dimke
Our deepest condolences, Charlie & Sheila Dimke
My deepest condolences to the Muchow family. I have the honor of working with his daughter, Alicia, and I know that his legacy of kindness, hard work, and empathy will live on through his children and all who loved him.
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Rod and Donna Clemen
Cyndy and family, My deepest condelences. I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Howard. He was a great guy. We were classmates and so glad I got to see visit with him last year at our 50th year class reunion. Hoping the love you shared and memories all of you have of him help you through this difficult time.
Cyndy and family, Our deepest heartfelt condolences.
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Howard. What a kind man. Keep all the beautiful memories close to your heart.
Sending love and hugs to you all!
Darryl, Deanna and Bobbie Jo
I saw Howard last May at our class reunion We shared a smile and a few words. Really nice person!
Cyndy and family, please accept my sincere condolences and know that I am thinking of you during this painful time. Your husband/father remains beside you, now and always.
Kimberly Thompson
I was so sorry to hear about Howard. I knew him since we were in elementary school. Glad that Jerry and I saw him at the class reunion last year and even sat at the table together at the Desoto House. Wonderful man.
Cathy (Glick) Thiltgen
Sorry for the families loss. Our deepest sympathy to you all.