Mid-West Family’s GM Howard Gloede passes away, after battle with cancer

A La Crosse media legend has died.

After a year and a half battle with cancer, Howard Gloede, general manager of the six Mid-West Family radio stations, died Monday at Mayo Clinic in La Crosse.

Gloede, who turned 61 last week, was considered a sales guru in this industry.

Gloede grew up on the family farm in Wilton, Wis. He was a basketball star at Royall High School, then learned media sales at Western Technical College.

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Gloede joined Mid-West Family in 1979, as a sales rep-intern, later becoming sales manager, then general manager 10 years ago, this week.

Gloede mentored more than 100 sales reps to success, many of them, still friends.

He was considered a top manager in the 50-station Mid-West Family group, in eight Midwestern cities. Almost 200 salespeople from those stations honored Gloede two months ago for his 40 years of service.

Private funeral services will be held soon. A celebration of life will also be announced.