Joan Dolores Talento Howe

Joan retired from the State of Michigan Secretary of State’s office in 1987 after 27 years of service. She also owned and operated the Lunch Box restaurant in Bath during the 60’s. She was an active and key member of Haslett American Legion Post #269 Auxiliary having served as President & Secretary and was also proud to be the post’s “Sweetheart.”

Joan was very proud of being married to her beloved husband Bob for 64 years and having mothered 3 independent children. She bought, sold and collected antiques and often said she could “Sell a rusty nail if I worked at it hard enough”. She also loved to play bingo, poker and euchre.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband in 2008, an infant son Bill Anthony, mother Adelaide Butman, step-father Gordon Butman and brother, Norman Butman. She is survived by her son, Robert E. Howe Jr.; daughters Dolores Joanne (Robert) VanSickle and Marie Adele Kapalla; 5 grandchildren, Carrie, Bradley, Tamara, Michelle and Erin; 6 great-grandchildren, Katie, Sarah, Holly, Rebecca, Emma, and Keenan; and 1 brother, Dr. Lowell (Moody) Butman.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 16, from 4-7p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #269, 1485 Haslett Rd. Haslett, MI 48840 in memory of Joan D. Howe.