Jerry Howden

Jerry E. Howden, 76, of Midland, died Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at My Michigan Medical Center. He was born December 1, 1947, in Bay City, son of the late Clarence and Anastasia M. (Perry) Howden. When Jerry was in middle school, the family moved to Midland where he attended Northeast and Midland High School, graduating in 1966. Shortly after high school, Jerry spent the next 19 years working for Auburn Die Cast. He then went on to work for Cascade Metal Products in Grand Rapids. Most recently, Jerry worked for Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, retiring in 2013. On June 29, 1974, he married the former Rosemary “Rosie” Vavrek at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Detroit. In his youth, Jerry enjoyed auto racing and spent many nights at Tri City Moror Speedway watching Ed Howe. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and lifelong member of the Detroit Lions Pride. Jerry was a quiet man who liked watching people. Although he did not always have something to say, his unique laugh could always be heard.

Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly fifty years, Rosie Howden; son, Mark Howden; brothers, William (Gloria) Howden, Ronald (Sandy) Howden, and Dick (Shirley) Howden; nieces and nephews, Ken (Deb), Tim (Terri), Dave (Lisa), Jim (Missy), Krystal (Ryan), Kevin (Tonya), Theresa (Ron), Don (Christy), and Sara (Scott); as well as several great nieces and nephews.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2024 from Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 2500 N W. River Rd. in Sanford. Father Daniel Fox OFM Cap. will officiate. Friends may gather at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St. on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Liturgy. The Rite of Committal will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024 in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, 18303 Allen Rd., Brownstown Charter Township, MI 48193. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or the donor’s favorite charity.