John
John E. Howe Sr.
John E. Howe Sr. passed away quietly on March 17, 2019 at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo.
He was born February 13, 1937 to Aaron and Esther (Johnson) Howe, in Kalamazoo, and has been a life-long resident of the area, graduating from Otsego High School in 1955.
On July 12, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Crouse, who survives. They were married 61 years. Together they raised their family, worked in business and at home, enjoyed traveling, taking long walks, the outdoors, and wildlife… forever husband and wife, and best friends.
John worked hard his whole life. In childhood, it was helping out at home and for neighboring farms and orchards, including his Uncle Howard’s Twin Lakes Boat Livery. In adolescence, his claim was driving a garbage truck when he was 14, and finding the most “corn bores” to sell for bait. As an adult, John worked 27 years at Fuller Manufacturing (Eaton). He also did much sideline work with his sons, roofing and siding many homes in the area. In 1984 John and Donna founded and operated Howe Aluminum Products (now Howe Patio & Window), where he worked until he retired in 1997.
He always had time to work with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Little League. He attended all the kids and grandkids sporting events, school plays and concerts. In addition, camping, canoeing, fishing, boating and numerous summer vacations with two generations – children and grandchildren – leaving many lasting memories, especially the Indian Mounds and muddy hiking trails.
John was a proud member of the Otsego Fire Department, where he met many of his life-long friends. He was also a dedicated CPR Instructor and fire investigator.
He enjoyed going to the Kalamazoo Speedway, where he once raced stock cars in the 1950s, and was a NASCAR and Indy-car fan.
If there is one thing anyone who met John Howe would notice, it was his passion! Passion for Donna, passion for his family, passion for living well and passion for laughter. Passion for honesty, working hard and excellence. Passion for helping out, doing right and playing a prank. His passion for adventure led him rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, through the rain forests of Costa Rica, skydiving, snorkeling, dog sledding, hot-air ballooning, mountain hiking… all with Donna by his side. If he did anything, it was living his life with passion. A life well lived is a legacy of passion we can all aspire to.
Nothing made John happier than time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to them, and to his friends, and he will always hold a special place in their hearts.
John is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Aaron, Sondra, Harold, Norrine O’Dell, James (his twin), Jerry, and Janet Penn.
Surviving are his wife, Donna, sons, John Jr. of Kalamazoo and Gary (Donna) of Otsego; daughter, Deborah Williams of Brooksville, Florida; siblings Barbara (Bob) Reitkerk of Kalamazoo, Joan Holmes of Kalamazoo, David Howe of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kenny (Phyllis) Howe of Alamo; daughter-in-law Debi of South Haven, and; sister-in-law Patricia Barnes of Hampton, Virginia, and brother-in-law Ray Penn of Kalamazoo. Also, John had four grandchildren, Lacey, Kellie, Alyson and Aaron, and four great-grandchildren, Essie, Ruby, J.J. and Lydia, plus many nieces, nephews, as well as his life-long friends, including his 70+ year connection with his best friend, Jack Kisinger.
Family and Friend visitations will be Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego.
A family memorial will be held, with burial of ashes at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Christian Neighbors of Plainwell.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of John E. Howe Sr.
Condolence Messages
Tim & Theresa Campbell
March 20, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Sorry to here of John’s
passing. Go bless the Howe
family.
Reply
Carol
March 20, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Donna, we are so sorry to hear of John passing. So glad you both were at our class luncheon last summer.
John’s classmate Carol (Young) Plunkett
Reply
Jacque Drobny
March 20, 2019 at 8:07 pm
I sat at a Four person desk in study hall at Allegan Street High School with Donna and John. John was such a tease!
Reply
Lynn Anderson
March 20, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Dearest Donna and family,
It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences. Having had grown up with John and his brothers and sisters, to loose yet another hurts. My thoughts, memories and prayers all go out to his family. May our Lord give you peace for the days to come, and memories to hold on to until you are together again in Heaven.
With Much Love,
Lynn ( Krum) Anderson
Reply
Peggy Thompson
March 21, 2019 at 4:17 am
May all the great memories you have help bring you comfort…
Reply
Laura & Brian Arehart
March 21, 2019 at 8:12 am
John & Family,
Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing.
Reply
Bob Miles
March 21, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Always enjoyed talking with John, he was an outing person. Howe family sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Bob and Roberta Miles
Reply
Les & SHARON GILLILAND
March 22, 2019 at 9:31 am
Donna and family, our thoughts and prayers to you for your loss. Life brings a few chances to know really great people and I was fortunate to have been able to have known John.
Reply
Ruth Thornton
March 23, 2019 at 9:39 am
John was always the FUN guy at reunions.
He will be missed.
He always told my family I lied about my age because we found out he was older than me.
My prayers are with all of you.
Reply
KAREN L BOMAR
March 25, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Donna and family… we were so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a nice person – he always had time for a chat whenever we happened to run into each other. Our thoughts are with you.
Reply
RONALD EWING
March 25, 2019 at 11:59 pm
GARY, SAW THE NEWS ON SPEEDWAY WEBSITE I FOLLOW THE RACING DOWN HERE IN LAKELAND FL. I,M SO SORRY FOR YOUR MOM,JOHNNY AND DEBBIE. YOUR DAD WAS A ONE OF KIND SORT OF MAN. I ENJOYED WORKING ALONG AND BESIDE HIM. WHEN HE WAS(THE CHIEF) OF O.F.D. I FOLLOW KAZOO SPEEDWAY I STILL KNOW A FEW OF THE DRIVERS . ALSO MY SON IN LAW ( DOUG SMITH ) RACED THERE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR MOM, AND THE REST OF YOUR FINE FAMILY. (GODSPEED) MY FREIND.
Reply
Lori Burrows
March 26, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Condolences to the family. Prayers–
Reply
Craig &Lorna Sisson
March 26, 2019 at 5:21 pm
What an amazing man John was. We’ve known him basically all our lives. He always had a smile, an encouraging word and care for all he met. He was an outstanding citizen of Otsego and we have been so blessed to know him. I’ll never forget one very kind and understanding conversation I had with him a few years back. His caring, reassurance, and heartfelt words of wisdom were a blessing I’ll never forget. Donna and family, we are so very sorry for your great loss but know your many memories of such a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and friend will bring moments of joy to help sustain you at this very difficult time. May God give you His peace.
Lorna & Craig
Reply
Susan (Jerrett)andTom Sawasky and Helen Jerrett
April 1, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Growing up on “F” avenue our entire life we knew all of the Howe family very well. Prayers to the family and friends.
Reply
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He was born February 13, 1937 to Aaron and Esther (Johnson) Howe, in Kalamazoo, and has been a life-long resident of the area, graduating from Otsego High School in 1955.
On July 12, 1957 he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Crouse, who survives. They were married 61 years. Together they raised their family, worked in business and at home, enjoyed traveling, taking long walks, the outdoors, and wildlife… forever husband and wife, and best friends.
John worked hard his whole life. In childhood, it was helping out at home and for neighboring farms and orchards, including his Uncle Howard’s Twin Lakes Boat Livery. In adolescence, his claim was driving a garbage truck when he was 14, and finding the most “corn bores” to sell for bait. As an adult, John worked 27 years at Fuller Manufacturing (Eaton). He also did much sideline work with his sons, roofing and siding many homes in the area. In 1984 John and Donna founded and operated Howe Aluminum Products (now Howe Patio & Window), where he worked until he retired in 1997.
He always had time to work with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Little League. He attended all the kids and grandkids sporting events, school plays and concerts. In addition, camping, canoeing, fishing, boating and numerous summer vacations with two generations – children and grandchildren – leaving many lasting memories, especially the Indian Mounds and muddy hiking trails.
John was a proud member of the Otsego Fire Department, where he met many of his life-long friends. He was also a dedicated CPR Instructor and fire investigator.
He enjoyed going to the Kalamazoo Speedway, where he once raced stock cars in the 1950s, and was a NASCAR and Indy-car fan.
If there is one thing anyone who met John Howe would notice, it was his passion! Passion for Donna, passion for his family, passion for living well and passion for laughter. Passion for honesty, working hard and excellence. Passion for helping out, doing right and playing a prank. His passion for adventure led him rafting down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, through the rain forests of Costa Rica, skydiving, snorkeling, dog sledding, hot-air ballooning, mountain hiking… all with Donna by his side. If he did anything, it was living his life with passion. A life well lived is a legacy of passion we can all aspire to.
Nothing made John happier than time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to them, and to his friends, and he will always hold a special place in their hearts.
John is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Aaron, Sondra, Harold, Norrine O’Dell, James (his twin), Jerry, and Janet Penn.
Surviving are his wife, Donna, sons, John Jr. of Kalamazoo and Gary (Donna) of Otsego; daughter, Deborah Williams of Brooksville, Florida; siblings Barbara (Bob) Reitkerk of Kalamazoo, Joan Holmes of Kalamazoo, David Howe of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Kenny (Phyllis) Howe of Alamo; daughter-in-law Debi of South Haven, and; sister-in-law Patricia Barnes of Hampton, Virginia, and brother-in-law Ray Penn of Kalamazoo. Also, John had four grandchildren, Lacey, Kellie, Alyson and Aaron, and four great-grandchildren, Essie, Ruby, J.J. and Lydia, plus many nieces, nephews, as well as his life-long friends, including his 70+ year connection with his best friend, Jack Kisinger.
Family and Friend visitations will be Tuesday, March 26 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Winkel Funeral Home in Otsego.
A family memorial will be held, with burial of ashes at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to
Christian Neighbors of Plainwell.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of John E. Howe Sr.
Condolence Messages
Tim & Theresa Campbell
March 20, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Sorry to here of John’s
passing. Go bless the Howe
family.
Reply
Carol
March 20, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Donna, we are so sorry to hear of John passing. So glad you both were at our class luncheon last summer.
John’s classmate Carol (Young) Plunkett
Reply
Jacque Drobny
March 20, 2019 at 8:07 pm
I sat at a Four person desk in study hall at Allegan Street High School with Donna and John. John was such a tease!
Reply
Lynn Anderson
March 20, 2019 at 8:59 pm
Dearest Donna and family,
It is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences. Having had grown up with John and his brothers and sisters, to loose yet another hurts. My thoughts, memories and prayers all go out to his family. May our Lord give you peace for the days to come, and memories to hold on to until you are together again in Heaven.
With Much Love,
Lynn ( Krum) Anderson
Reply
Peggy Thompson
March 21, 2019 at 4:17 am
May all the great memories you have help bring you comfort…
Reply
Laura & Brian Arehart
March 21, 2019 at 8:12 am
John & Family,
Sorry to read of your Dad’s passing.
Reply
Bob Miles
March 21, 2019 at 6:46 pm
Always enjoyed talking with John, he was an outing person. Howe family sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you. Bob and Roberta Miles
Reply
Les & SHARON GILLILAND
March 22, 2019 at 9:31 am
Donna and family, our thoughts and prayers to you for your loss. Life brings a few chances to know really great people and I was fortunate to have been able to have known John.
Reply
Ruth Thornton
March 23, 2019 at 9:39 am
John was always the FUN guy at reunions.
He will be missed.
He always told my family I lied about my age because we found out he was older than me.
My prayers are with all of you.
Reply
KAREN L BOMAR
March 25, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Donna and family… we were so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a nice person – he always had time for a chat whenever we happened to run into each other. Our thoughts are with you.
Reply
RONALD EWING
March 25, 2019 at 11:59 pm
GARY, SAW THE NEWS ON SPEEDWAY WEBSITE I FOLLOW THE RACING DOWN HERE IN LAKELAND FL. I,M SO SORRY FOR YOUR MOM,JOHNNY AND DEBBIE. YOUR DAD WAS A ONE OF KIND SORT OF MAN. I ENJOYED WORKING ALONG AND BESIDE HIM. WHEN HE WAS(THE CHIEF) OF O.F.D. I FOLLOW KAZOO SPEEDWAY I STILL KNOW A FEW OF THE DRIVERS . ALSO MY SON IN LAW ( DOUG SMITH ) RACED THERE. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR MOM, AND THE REST OF YOUR FINE FAMILY. (GODSPEED) MY FREIND.
Reply
Lori Burrows
March 26, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Condolences to the family. Prayers–
Reply
Craig &Lorna Sisson
March 26, 2019 at 5:21 pm
What an amazing man John was. We’ve known him basically all our lives. He always had a smile, an encouraging word and care for all he met. He was an outstanding citizen of Otsego and we have been so blessed to know him. I’ll never forget one very kind and understanding conversation I had with him a few years back. His caring, reassurance, and heartfelt words of wisdom were a blessing I’ll never forget. Donna and family, we are so very sorry for your great loss but know your many memories of such a wonderful husband, father, grandpa and friend will bring moments of joy to help sustain you at this very difficult time. May God give you His peace.
Lorna & Craig
Reply
Susan (Jerrett)andTom Sawasky and Helen Jerrett
April 1, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Growing up on “F” avenue our entire life we knew all of the Howe family very well. Prayers to the family and friends.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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Comment
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Name
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Δ
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