A well-known central Wisconsin broadcaster and founder of a Neillsville radio station has died.
Howard Sturtz started his broadcasting career in 1950 at WDLB in Marshfield and later became branch manager of the radio station’s studio in Neillsville. According to his obituary, in 1957 he started his own radio station, WCCN. In 1965 he purchased the Wisconsin Pavilion of the New York World’s Fair and used it to house his new studio.
Sturtz was also known as a musician who appeared in thousands of live performances and hundreds of TV performances. He founded The Howie Sturtz Orchestra. He started his musical career at age 14 when he was hired by a band to play trumpet.
During his life, Sturtz also supported numerous charities including the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, the Shriners, Alzheimer’s Association, and the Children’s Miracle Network. He also supported the dairy industry.
Sturtz died Feb. 16 at the age of 87. A private mass was held for immediate family members.
