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 wherever he went, including his ICU nurses during 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, fathers-in-law, 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.

Online condolences may be left for the family at  www.furlongfuneralchapel.com