Fred "Howie" Letz

He was born November 20, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Fred D. and Helen (Cotton) Letz. In his second marriage, he wed Clarice Taylor on October 7, 1972 in Elgin, IL. She survives him.

Also surviving are his children Bobbie (Ken) Gay of Tucson, AZ, Marilyn (Steve) Kaminski of Boulder, CO; four stepchildren Linnea Armstrong of Scottsdale, AZ, Clark (Shelli) Taylor, Lana Hermann, and Tom Taylor, all of Peoria; eleven grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, and Andrew Gay, Heather and Brian Armstrong, Chanel, Lauren, and Bleu Hermann, Stephanie Wilson, Kari Taylor, and Victoria Thacker; one great-granddaughter Hallie Wilson, and his brother George "Curt" Letz.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Howie retired from C.R. Industries in 1987 after 23 years. He and Clarice moved to Sun Lakes, AZ from 1989 - 2004 when they returned to Dunlap, IL.

He was a former member and Treasurer of The Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Sun Lakes. As Treasurer he led a successful fundraising campaign to build a new church. He was a current active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria.

Howie was devoted to his family. He spent time as "Papa" to his grandkids, swimming and hiking. He was a long time golfer and former member of Pine Lakes and Mt Hawley country clubs. He loved his retirement years in Arizona, especially golfing, hiking, parking cars for Cubs spring training games, and his volunteer work. He was a member of Kiwanis International since 1990, and was awarded the Outstanding Service Award for his commitment and dedication to the community, including tutoring math and reading, from 1990 to 2005. He was also Kiwanian of the Year from 1998 to 1999.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 18, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Rev. Joe Meyer will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday March 17, 2011 at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Cremation will be accorded following the services.

Memorials may be made to The American Heart Association.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.woolsey-wilton.com.