William 'Mild Wild Bill' J. Howland, 67, of Maple, peacefully passed from this world on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at Middle River Health and Rehab in South Range.

He was born in Mauston, WI, on August 1, 1952, the son of William Charles and Elvina 'Peggy' Howland.

Bill was a "Jack of all Trades" who could create just about anything with his own two hands.  He was an artist, a lover of nature, and a wild spirit.   He enjoyed life to its fullest, had a huge heart, and loved being surrounded by his family and friends.  Bill was a master storyteller, the bigger the story the better (many of which can only be shared in certain circles).  He will go down in history as being the first person to have ridden a buffalo into a tavern.  Wild Bill and his buffalo, Harry L, rode into his favorite watering hole, Bridge's Bar, in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin on May 29, 1989.  This event was preceded by Wild Bill and Harry's 1991 Ride for a Reason, where the two rode from Superior to Mauston, Wisconsin to raise awareness for several different causes. With an extraordinary life, Bill leaves us with his words "May your dreams be filled with all the colors of the rainbow."

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Joshua Howland.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Patsy of Maple; children, Justin (Tara) Howland of Maple, Misty (Jeff) Radig of Poplar, Jacob (Emily) Howland of Duluth, and Amanda (Nick) Korhonen of Poplar; grandchildren, Autumn, Ava, Bryce, Bailey, Cameron, and Atley; niece, Amoy Gordon and her daughter Airana; his sisters; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at Bridge's Bar, 6891 S Lake Ave, Lake Nebagamon, WI.