Howard Rhodabeck, 95, reunited with his beloved Ginny, his wife of nearly 70 years, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Howard, affectionately known as Howdy, was a builder from a young age. He helped build his home on Denver Street in Lansing, Michigan as a young teenager. He proudly poured the concrete at Spartan Stadium, the Kellogg Center, and smokestacks in Cicero, Illinois. Always on the go, Howdy kept busy building decks, bookcases, countertops, cabinets, jewelry cases, and anything Ginny dreamed up. Howdy couldn’t sit still – he played ball, loved golf, bowled, played cards, square danced and loved to have a beer with anyone that was willing to listen to a story from Howdy Doody. He never sat still, often hummed a tune and performed a bird whistle that always made children smile.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Howard Sr.; sisters Doris Gesse, Winnona Beaudry; brother Richard Rhodabeck; son Kip Rhodabeck; and wife Virginia. He is survived by his son Randy (Becky) Rhodabeck; daughter Deb (Gil) Fuentes; nine grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
Howdy and Ginny once danced with their foxy squares group on a 747 in the sky. They were best friends that loved each other beyond measure. May they share many more dances in celebration of life and family they built together.
A committal service for Howard will be held Wednesday, December 28 at 12:00pm at North Eagle Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Howard's memory to Hospice of Lansing – Stoneleigh Residence.
