Archer Howard

Archer Leonard Howard Jr, age 75, of Woodland, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, October 6, 2022. Archer was born January 13, 1947 to Archer & Crystal Jennie (Burke) Howard in Wilmette, Illinois. His older sister, Elaine, remained in Chicago when the family moved to Lake Odessa when Arch was a toddler, where his family owned and ran Martha's Candy.

Archer was in the first graduating class of Lakewood High School in 1965. He attended Western Michigan University for a short time before entering the U.S. Army. He served as a Sgt. in the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, 1968-1969.

He worked for E. W. Bliss Manufacturing in Hastings for many years before retiring in 2009. He was known as the peacekeeper in the plant. Those who worked with Arch, or as he was called at the factory, Archie, will remember the smell of Winstons and Diet Pepsi.

His first wife was Chloanne Thomas, with whom he had a son Kirk.

Arch met and married Janice Neitzke in 1975. Arch, determined to make the family complete, adopted Jan's 3 daughters. He was a loving father and care-giver, a Mr. Fix-it, the one everyone called with any problems.

Arch and Jan loved to travel, having made it to all but 5 states, and all around the border, often traveling with Jan's brother Harold (Bud) Neitzke and wife Jeanne. They also camped and fished with friends at Nahma in the U.P. They just sold their "Happy Place" at Sandy Pines.

Arch always seemed to find the good in everyone, was very even-tempered, and truly loved his family and the friends he worked with. To his grandchildren, he was the person they counted on.

Archer was predeceased by his parents, sister Elaine Berlinski and her husband Ben, nephews Gregg and Todd Neitzke, and grandson Christian Howard. He has now joined many of his yearly Canadian fishing trip buddies.

Archer is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jan, son Kirk (Christina) Howard, daughters Leanne Kirchner, Stacie (Todd) White, Suzanne Howard, Grandchildren; Brock (Syndi) Richmond, Alison (Jordan) Richmond Masur, Scott (Jessica) Kirchner, Brandon Cheeseman, Sam Cheeseman, Margaret (John Guazhco) Rough, Amber McClelland (Jason) Thompson, Jessica Cheeseman (Andrew) Mepham, Great-grandchildren; Harold, Ellinor, Alden, Owen, Bentley, Oliver, Finley, Adalynn, Jason, Kale, Kourtney, Kitana, Mateo, Gabriel, Nolan, Niece Sandra Berlinski (Steve) Howard, Nephews; Mark Berlinski, Wayne (Ida) Neitzke and family, Great-niece Cassie Howard and brother in law Harold 'Bud' (Jeanne) Neitzke, and many special friends.

According to Archer's wishes, there will be no service. As he wished, "Mexican Connexion" will provide a meal for family and friends, Friday, October 14, from 5pm until 8pm at The Hughe House, 7766 Velte Rd, Lake Odessa, MI 48849.

In Lieu of flowers or donation, the family requests that those who are able make a donation to the American Red Cross. Blood or Platelets would be especially appreciated by the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.koopsfc.com for the Howard family.