Howard Gilbert Grider

Born August 29, 1925 in Gilbert, Iowa. Howard passed away peacefully following complications of cardiac arrest at the age 95. He has joined his mother, father, brothers and sisters, his beloved wife Virginia Grider, and his dear companion Hilda Meyer.

He is survived by his 12 children, Karen, Nancy, Susan, Cathy, Michael, Janice, Jimmy, Tommy, David, Laura, Lisa, and Linda. He is also survived by thirty-seven grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Howard lived through the depression in Iowa and spent his younger years digging basements with horses. Howard was a proud veteran having served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and the Korean War. His Army Air Corps academic training brought him to Michigan State University, and he met his wife Virginia in Lansing. They married in 1945 and shortly after, they started a family and were blessed with 12 children. After working in insurance and sales, he returned to Michigan State University to earn his business administration degree in 1949. He was called to serve in Korea in 1952 and then again attended Michigan State University to earn his master’s in accounting in 1956. Following graduation, he was offered a position in the newly created department called Research and Contract Administration. He worked for 34 years as the Director of Contracts and Grants until retiring in 1990. He also worked toward his doctorate in Educational Administration.

Howard was a proud alum and Spartan fan. He was a hockey season ticket holder and football season ticket holder for 55 years. He seldom missed a home football game at Spartan Stadium, even staying until the end of the Penn State tornado game in 2017. Howard was also known as a competitive downhill ski racer and devoted golfer but was always game for any physical activity up until the end. He was committed to exercise and eating well, which contributed to a long, fulfilling life.

Despite countless health obstacles, Howard was a fighter. He will be remembered for his tenacity and desire to live life fully and he loved his family dearly. He encouraged his grandchildren to always follow their dreams. He will be dearly missed but his legacy will extend out like branches of a tree forever growing. At his 95th birthday he said, when speaking of his family, “I didn’t know this is what I would end up with, but it sure turned out good.”

If you would like to donate, in lieu of flowers, we are having a memorial tree planted at Michigan State University near the Administration Building. Please make checks payable to: Howard Grider Memorial Tree Fund. Drop off at MSUFCU branch or send to MSUFCU 3777 West Road East Lansing, MI 48823.

A committal service will be held March 20 at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow St., Lansing.