Obituary for Howard W. VanValkenburg
Howard Wayne VanValkenburg was born in Marshall, Michigan on April 8, 1953 to Leo and Georgie VanValkenburg, and was gently lifted from our arms into the arms of his Heavenly Father on August, 29, 2021. He married his “sweetpea” Stephanie “Robin” Dean on April 23, 1991.
Howard is survived by his wife, Robin; sons, Brad, Stephen, Noah, Kipp, Samuel, Luke, and Riley VanValkenburg, Nicolas (Hilary) Gunning, and his much adored little pal, Carter; daughters, Allyson Jank, Kristi, Noël (Pigeon), Lilyanna (Mimi) and Allison(Chunny) VanValkenburg; grandchildren, Levi, Owen, and Melody Jank, and Westen Gunning; sister Helen (Doug) Williams; brothers, Doug Macomber, and Leo VanValkenburg Jr. He was preceded in death by his parent; grandparents; sisters, Georgianna VanValkenburg, Avis Crofton, Calvena Lyttle; brothers, Aart VanValkenburg, Amzie VanValkenburg; nephew, Izaak Williams; niece, Crystal VanValkenburg, and his best friend, Rev. Jim Roberts.
Howard loved the Lord and was a member of Family Altar Chapel. He was Big and strong and worked hard to provide for his family. He retired from General Motors. He was also a reserve deputy for the Calhoun County Sheriff Department, and a volunteer fire fighter for Newton Township. He proudly served our country in The United States Army and was stationed in Korea and Germany. Howard and his wife, Robin were foster parents for many years, welcoming and loving dozens of children into their home.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Family Altar Church, 14844 6 1/2 Mile Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49014. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. At the family's request, please respect social distancing guidelines. Masks will be required and provided for all attendees. In lieu of hugs, feel free to show respect and sympathy with a hand over your heart or a fist-bump.
Howard is survived by his wife, Robin; sons, Brad, Stephen, Noah, Kipp, Samuel, Luke, and Riley VanValkenburg, Nicolas (Hilary) Gunning, and his much adored little pal, Carter; daughters, Allyson Jank, Kristi, Noël (Pigeon), Lilyanna (Mimi) and Allison(Chunny) VanValkenburg; grandchildren, Levi, Owen, and Melody Jank, and Westen Gunning; sister Helen (Doug) Williams; brothers, Doug Macomber, and Leo VanValkenburg Jr. He was preceded in death by his parent; grandparents; sisters, Georgianna VanValkenburg, Avis Crofton, Calvena Lyttle; brothers, Aart VanValkenburg, Amzie VanValkenburg; nephew, Izaak Williams; niece, Crystal VanValkenburg, and his best friend, Rev. Jim Roberts.
Howard loved the Lord and was a member of Family Altar Chapel. He was Big and strong and worked hard to provide for his family. He retired from General Motors. He was also a reserve deputy for the Calhoun County Sheriff Department, and a volunteer fire fighter for Newton Township. He proudly served our country in The United States Army and was stationed in Korea and Germany. Howard and his wife, Robin were foster parents for many years, welcoming and loving dozens of children into their home.
The funeral service will take place on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Family Altar Church, 14844 6 1/2 Mile Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49014. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. At the family's request, please respect social distancing guidelines. Masks will be required and provided for all attendees. In lieu of hugs, feel free to show respect and sympathy with a hand over your heart or a fist-bump.