Howard Dean Genrich

Educator, Optimist, Father, Husband, and Long Beach Hero

Humble Howard, a single child to Genevieve and Edward, was born on March 12, 1925 in Algona, Iowa. Howard “Geny” Genrich served in the Army for two years during WWII and saw action in France as a rifleman and machine gunner in the 14th Armored Division. During the Battle of the Buldge, Howard experienced shrapnel wounds in both legs earning a Purple Heart.

Graduate of Drake University, Des Moines Iowa, Howard earned a Bachelors of Science and Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff and began teaching in Merced, CA where he met Dorlyne Jean Hochuli. The pair moved to Long Beach in 1954 where he and Dorlyne and married on June 6th, 1953 and had three sons: Martin, Daniel, and Timothy followed by 8 grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Life Accomplishments:

Elder and Deacon of Covenant Presbyterian Church

50 Year Award with Long Beach Masonic Lodge

Long Beach Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree

Faculty Representative Council for the Teachers Association of Long Beach

Past president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumni Association

Past President (three times) and elected Life Member of the Long Beach Model T Club

Hall of Fame for the Model T Ford Speedsters, Lincoln, Nebraska

Co-author of 10 books involving the construction of the Model T Ford speedsters

Meals on Wheels deliverman for over 29 years

Back-packing the 220 mile John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney

Local chapter Hall of Fame for Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Activities enjoyed:

Visiting the Spitzelhaugen cabin in Big Bear

Fixing cars including the 1960 yellow convertible Studebaker and his Model T’s: 1922 Center Door Sedan, Iconic “Lucky 7” 1922 speedster, and 1904 Curved-Dash Oldsmobile

Tinkering with antique outboard engines

Fishing

Traveling the world

Iowa picnics

Humble Howard’s “personal touch” to life, zest, and inventiveness are beyond what most people can accomplish in a lifetime. His absence, spirit, and endless service to others will surely be felt by his family, friends and community.

Funeral Services to be held at 11am on Saturday, December 14th, 2019 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 E. 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90815. Interment ceremony to follow at Westminister Mortuary 2:15pm 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminister, Ca 92683 Donations can be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Meals on Wheels.