John Howard Dies At 99

walshhoward

St. Joseph has lost one of its most prominent benefactors, as John Howard has died at the age of 99 in Holland. It’s hard to miss his name on things like the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena and the city’s bandshell, but former St. Joseph City Manager Frank Walsh says Howard’s impact was deeper than buildings.

“The impact really goes beyond the ice arena and the family path and the bandshell and the skateboard park. It goes to how he treated people,” said Walsh, now the manager of Meridian Township outside Lansing. “There was one thing about John: he cared about people in need. He cared about those who where down and out more than those who had.”

At Howard’s request, there will be no services. Walsh tells WSJM News he was working on a 100th birthday party for Howard which would have been held in St. Joseph in July 2019.

Howard died Friday morning.

Photo courtesy of Frank Walsh.