Howard Ebmeier

Howard Ebmeier passed away in Lawrence, Kansas, on September 8, 2026, with family at his side. He was born in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1947 to Henry Charles (H. C.) and Alma Berniece Ebmeier. Howard attended elementary school in David City, NE, South Sioux City, NE, and graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School where he was on several athletic teams as well as a member of the National Honor Society, band, and various clubs.

Howard graduated from the University of Nebraska majoring in chemistry and with minors in math and English. After his military service (U.S. Criminal Investigation Laboratory), he returned to Lincoln and received a Master's degree in Education, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in Education with a minor in computer science.

He was employed as a forensic chemist in the Nebraska Health Department, a chemistry teacher at Omaha Westside, a graduate research associate at MU, a program evaluator in Des Moines, and held several administrative positions in Wheaton, IL, including assistant superintendent, before joining the University of Kansas School of Education as a professor. At KU, Howard published numerous professional papers, books, and conference presentations, in addition to receiving several patents for computer interview selection programs. He retired in 2016 from an active role at KU.

Howard is survived by his wife Catherine, who served as an equal partner throughout his lifetime and without whom he would have been less successful professionally and personally. Howard is survived by his two children, Jill Owens and Karen Folsom, and son-in-law Carl Folsom, III. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Jaxson, Kara, and Evie, who were the joy of his life.

In his retirement years, Howard was an avid woodworker, building over 100 pieces of furniture, cabinets, turnings, and various repairs for friends and family. He was also an hobbyist fly fisher where he built his own rods and tied thousands of flies. Howard also served on several executive boards for non-profit organizations and governmental agencies.

Howard dedicated his physical body to KU Medical School for future research and education. No services are planned.