Robert Howard

Robert L. Howard, 92, of Alden, passed away on January 9, 2021 at his home.  Bob was born on January 11, 1928, in Ypsilanti, MI, the son of Lewis and Leona (Haight) Howard.

He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family.   He enjoyed working on projects in his garage and work shop.   Bob could fix anything and if he didn’t know how to, he would figure it out.  Bob was his kid’s “go to guy”, if anything went wrong their first thought was “call dad”.  He spent as much time as possible outside, where he was happiest.  In his last couple years, he would sit outside with his cat, Lily, and later with Greta.   They would watch and take care of the birds and in the winter the wild turkeys.  He was self employed doing cottage maintenance and repair projects.  Bob served in the Army Corps of Engineers in Korea from October 1950 to July 1952.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean (Patterson) Howard, a son Stan (Lucy) Howard of Alden, 3 daughters, Terri (Jim) Minard of Central Lake, Sherry Howard of Alden, Cindy Howard-Bartz (Butch Bartz Jr.) of Alden, 5 grandchildren, Philip (Jennifer) Sheppard, Dan (Janna) Sheppard, Tim (Jamie) Weaver, Amanda Howard (Julian Gerstein), Jeremy (Mylia) Howard, 6 great-grandchildren, Abbie, Owen, Isabelle, Stella, Lilah and Braxton as well as sister-in-law Carol Koch and his buddy, Kitty Greta.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his in laws Stan and Ann Patterson, brother-in-law Ray Patterson and his special friend kitty Lily.

A private graveside service with military honors will take place later this spring in Helena Township Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Munson Hospice, they were wonderful.  We only had them a few days but it was when we needed them the most.   Especially nurse Diana, Sarah, Donna, Connie and Mark.

Memorial contributions may be made to Munson Healthcare Hospice, 1105 Sixth St, Traverse City, MI,  49684 or to Help from my Friend’s Pet Crisis Center, 3820 Ritt Rd, Bellaire, MI,  49615.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.   Online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.