Howard Frederick Guepfer

Howard Frederick Guepfer of La Crosse, WI passed away suddenly on November 30th, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 14th, 1951 to Joseph and Harriet Guepfer in La Crosse, WI.

After graduating from La Crosse Central and briefly attending UW-L, he went on to earn an associate degree from Western Technical College. During school, he worked at the New Villa where he eventually met who would become his wife, Nancy, the love of his life.

After graduation, he began working as a food and merchandising broker. Later, he moved to Milwaukee eventually becoming a territory sales supervisor for M&M/Mars.

In 1988, Howie, Nancy, and Howie’s brother, Dave, purchased the New Villa and Moxie’s. During his time as owner, his son, Kyle was born.

After two years of semi-retirement and the birth of his daughter, Kayla, Howie purchased Smokey’s of Holmen. A few years after his wife passed, Howie took some more time off to raise his children with the support of family and friends before buying Fish’s Bar.

Upon retiring for good, Howie spent his time with the people he loved most, his family. He also enjoyed cooking, going on his “sheriff’s run,” and binging his favorite shows. After the birth of his three grandchildren and being promoted to “Big Papa,” Howie liked to say he was “winning.” He absolutely adored being a part of his grandchildren’s lives and watching them grow.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nancy Powers-Guepfer, his brother-in-law, Don Zimmerhakl, his sisters Carol Howe and Gail Guepfer, and his sister-in-law, Donna.

He is survived by his son Kyle (Megan) Guepfer, daughter Kayla (Alex) Helland, and his three grandchildren, Jaxson, Emmy, and Jessa; his sister Nancy (fiancé, Dave Case) Guepfer; his brother Dave Guepfer; his sister-in law, Mary Zimmerhakl; his brother-in-law, Larry (Patty) Howe; his nieces Mandy (Jason) Hess, Nikki (Jason) Kuechenmeister, and Makenna Guepfer; his nephews Lee Zimmerhakl, Michael (Christina) Howe, Dave (Jennifer) Fruth, and Ryan Bilskemper.

Per Howie’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. He would want to be honored through memories, and he would want us to hold our families close and tell them we love them. There will be a small family gathering in the future.