Howard was born on April 16, 1928 to Adrian and Rena (Vanderwoulde) Elenbaas in Grand Rapids. He attended Creston High School and then went to work for American Seating Company, where he worked as a forklift operator.
During the Korean conflict, Howard served in the US Army for “two birthdays” as he put it. While in the army he began writing letters to Avis Ritter, who he would later marry. Together Howard and Avis had three children; Randy, Pam, and Tim.
Howard was a good father and grandfather who loved his family deeply. Three things in life he valued most were health, family, and faith. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, playing cards, and family get-togethers.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents; Adrian and Rena; his wife Avis; brothers Donald, Richard, Gerrit, and Fred Elenbaas. He is survived by his children; Randall (Jean) Elenbaas, Pamela (Richard) Chambers, Timothy (Melissa) Elenbaas; grandchildren Brian, Elizabeth, and Jeffrey Chambers, Mitchell, Megan, and Zakariah Elenbaas, Jason VanRosmalen and Jennifer Adamczyk (and their families); great grandchildren Ryleigh and Easton; siblings Marjorie Moreau and Norman (Pam) Elenbaas; and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 9, 2023 at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Avenue NE at 12:00. The family will receive guests prior to the service starting at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Howard’s name may be made to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan for the Saul Lake Nature Preserve, 400 Ann Street NW, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
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