Howard L. Stanke

Passed away Saturday, July 25, 2015. Age 90 years. Howard Laverne Stanke was born June 22, 1925 in Ionia, MI. He married Ruth LaCross November 4, 2000. She survives him. Howard served in the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier that was one of the first to arrive in Hiroshima during WWII. After leaving the military he was in the heating business in Flint for many years. He then dairy-farmed in Shepherd for eight years and owned a frame and axel shop in Mt. Pleasant. When Howard moved to the Saginaw area he was employed by Timber Town Restoration and retired in 2002. Howard was a very talented wood worker, plumber and electrician. He bought and restored an old farmhouse into a beautiful home, using a dried oak tree to trim the whole house in oak. There was nothing that he could not figure out or fix. Howard enjoyed the summers camping at Lake of Dreams in Merrill. He loved riding his golf cart around and visiting with everyone he met, and made many close and dear friends. Howard is survived by his wife and best friend, Ruth, who will miss him dearly. Also surviving are his sons: Howard (Kathie) Stanke, II and family, and David (Louann) Stanke and family; daughters: Karen, Judy, and June; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will also be greatly missed by his stepson, Tim LaCross and his children: Candice, April, and Brittany, who adored Howard. Also, stepdaughter, Tammy (Chris) Hauer and their children, Jessie and Jennie; his cousin Bill (Charlene) Stanke, who was always there when help was needed; his brother, Jerry; and sisters, Betty and Barbara; best friends, Jerry and Liz Losee; and very special neighbors, Glen and Tammy Chaney. The family wishes to thank Dr. LaLonde, Laura, Dee, Ceal, Mary, Ann, and Diann for their love and support during these past several months. Rev. Nancy Steele will officiate the funeral service 11AM Thursday July 30, 2015 at the Reitz Herzberg Funeral Home, 1550 Midland Road, (S. M-47). Military honors will be observed. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday July 29 from 3-8 PM and from 10 AM until the time of service on Thursday. Memorial offerings are suggested to the American Heart Association or the charity of one's choice. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.reitzherzberg.com, an O'Guinn Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Howard Stanke, please visit our Tribute Store.