Robert Lee HOWIESON

HOWIESON, STIMSON, FONGER, WALKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

Robert Howieson
January 29, 1928 ---- April 17, 2020

Robert Lee Howieson, age 92 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully April 17, 2020. He was born on January 29, 1928 to James and Irene Howieson of Clarion, Iowa. His brothers Merle and Lynn and his sister Verla preceded Robert in death. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Eleanor; his two brothers James and Darrel (Ruth) Howieson; his two daughters: Linda (Richard) Stimson of Alpharetta, GA, Nyla (Gene) Fonger of Grand Rapids and son Marlo (Heidi) Howieson of Fenton, MI. Also cherishing his memory are seven grandchildren: Brian (Jan) and Bradley (Marie) Stimson; Marleah (Carlos) Walker and Joshua (Nicole) Fonger; and Evan, Zoey and Aubrey Howieson, and six great grandchildren: Matthew, Luke and Benjamin Fonger, Warren Stimson, Hudson Walker and Sadie Stimson.

Robert was raised on a farm in Clarion, Iowa, the oldest of six children. He graduated from Clarion High School and attended Technical School in Chicago. He and Eleanor moved to Niles, Michigan where he worked at Tyler Refrigeration Engineering. In 1962 they moved to Grand Rapids to open a commercial Refrigeration business serving the entire state of Michigan. Bob's honesty, integrity and hard work made the company a very important part of grocery stores large and small throughout Michigan. He retired at the age of 75, as a greatly respected member of the Grand Rapids business community. An avid sportsman, Bob enjoyed bowling, golf, fishing (his father taught him to fish on the Boone River in Iowa) and boating on Lake Michigan and the inner coastal waterways of Florida. Bob was a member of Egypt Valley Country Club for many years (and garnered 1 hole-in-one). Bob was an excellent Bridge players and he continued to play Bridge regularly up until his passing. Bob had the ability to drive anything with an engine and had his pilot's license making several flights to Iowa and Indiana. Bob never forgot his hard-working childhood in Iowa and left an incredible legacy of generosity and philanthropy. He and Eleanor were long-term members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Grand Rapids Press -- Grand Rapids, Michigan
April 26, 2020