Howard Redfern

Howard V. Redfern, 89 of Bellaire died Wed. April 24, 2013 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility where he had been a resident for the last 12 years. He was born Feb. 17, 1924 in Sault Ste. Marie, the son of Vernon and Leola (Dunning) Redfern and attended school in Saginaw. He proudly graduated from Michigan State University, in Landscape Architecture. He was a huge fan of MSU; always wearing something green & white, and singing the MSU fight song. Howard is a veteran of World War II. He was with the 691st Tank Destroyer Battalion as a gun commander and was in the Battle of Bulge. He worked for Dow Chemical Co, had his own business for a while and worked for Toschael Architectural Firm. He also worked for the State of Michigan Management and Budget Division. In 1988 Howard retired to his home on Torch Lake. On Sept. 21, 1990, in Ionia, he married Evelyn Oakes who survives. Together they made Bellaire their home for over 23 years and attended the Church in the Hills. Also surviving are his brother Russell (Jeanne) Redfern of Traverse City, sister-in-law Jane Redfern of Bellaire, stepchildren David (Carole Lynne) Hyslop of Roebuck, SC, Frederick (Marian) Hyslop Jr. of Greer, SC, Thomas (Susan) Hyslop of Fenton, MI and Caro, Egypt, Lori (Michael) Leitz of Berrien Springs, MI, Julie (Joseph) Kimmey of Missoula, MT, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, nieces Robyn, Susan, and Kristen, nephew Todd, and 5 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Sophia Wozniak and brother Richard. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 29, at 10 a.m. at the Church in the Hills with Pastor David Ramage officiating. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Twp. Memorial contributions can be made to the MSU Athletic Fund or Church in the Hills. Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com