Stroo Funeral Home, Inc. 
1095 68th St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Phone:  (616) 455-9280 
Fax: (616) 455-2035
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michael A. Vos - Owner / Manager
 
 Robert K. Stroo - Owner / President 

 

Rubin Howard22

Service Information

Howard Walter Rubin
Visitation: Friday, September 13, from 5 - 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE  
Service: 11 am Saturday, September 14, at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Memorials: Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 https://emmanuelhospice.org/donate/

 

Howard Walter Rubin, of Grand Rapids, died Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 at Cascade Trails Assisted Living in Grand Rapids surrounded by several family members and the caring staff from Cascade Trails and Emmanuel Hospice. He was 87.

Howard was born in Detroit, Michigan on Feb. 7, 1937. 

He graduated from Lakewood High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959.

Howard married Carolyn Ann Hoover on Dec. 30, 1961 at St. James Episcopal Church in Grosse Ile, Michigan and they enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage together. Carolyn died July 13, 2021.

Carolyn and Howard lived in Detroit for several months before moving to Knoxville, Tenn., Cincinnati, Ohio and finally Kentwood, Michigan, in 1976, where he lived for the rest of his life. Howard supported his family as a salesman for 3M.  

Howard's Christian faith sustained him throughout his life. He served his church as an elder, sang in the choir, was part of the prayer team and attended many Bible studies.  

Howard loved meeting new people. In his words: "I already know about me. I like to hear other people’s stories."

He was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Helen Rubin, his brother John Regan, his sisters-in-law Joan Yohn Regan, Joan Wilson, and Doris “Mickey" Colombatto, and his brothers-in-law James Wilson and Joseph Colombatto.

Howard will be lovingly remembered by his four children: Jeff (Stephanie) of Madison, Conn., Scott (Lynette) of Yorba Linda, Calif., Karen (Chris) of Petoskey, Mich., and Ann (Sandra) of Minneapolis; grandchildren Tanner, Dawson (Rachel), Brock (fiancée Ashley), Emily, Isabel, Dana, Logan, Betsy, many nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends, including forever friends Jane and Doug Maxim.

The family will greet visitors on Friday, Sept. 13 from 5 to 8 pm at Stroo Funeral Home 1095 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 at the Stroo Funeral Home, with a luncheon to follow. To sign the virtual guestbook go to: www.stroofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by donations to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 in memory of Howard. 

 
 
STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508 
Comments  
# Jay Rolland 2024-09-27 16:51
I first met Howard in 2003 when my wife and I started attending Saint Mark Luthern. Howard and Carolyn were always one of the first people to greet us, usually with a hug. We would talk about Ohio State and how we were doing. Later as my children got older he treated them like his grandkids. Asking about their sporting events even attending both water Polo and swim meets. He would send them birthday cards with $5. Howard was truly an amazing guy and will be missed, but I am comforted to know that he is with Jesus and Carolyn.
# Edward Brustman 2024-09-19 01:45
We go back to the 60's. Howard and I worked for 3M as salesmen, he spent most of his career in the Grand Rapids area. I worked in several cities, ending up in the Twin Cities, but working for the same manager as did Howard for the last 20 years or sol We were a group of 5 that bonded over that period of time, working out of the Chicago sales office. After retirement we continued meet twice a year to play golf at the Wisconsin Dells. That lasted until the pandemic. Jim
Thompson passed a short time ago, now Howard. I was blessed to know and love Howard as a friend. He will be missed.
# Edward Brustman 2024-09-19 01:30
There were 20+ years ending in 1997, when Howard retired that 5 of us worked out of the Chicago sales office of 3M. We bonded over sales meetings and outings, incentive trips, golf outings, ect.. Howard and I went back to the 60"s. After retirement we continued to get together for spring and fall golf outings at the
Dells.Until the pandemic ended that. Jim passed not long ago, now Howard. Howard was special, kind, humorous, honest, supportive, someone that I was blessed to have had in my life for the years we shared. He will never be forgotten, rest well my friend!
# Tom & Angie Chester 2024-09-16 01:07
Howard is our all time favorite! He was a loving caring saint who will be greatly missed. He was our mentor, encourager and like he always said, he was “in our corner.” We were blessed to visit with him as we shared memories and as we read Scripture and prayed with him. God bless his family during this bittersweet time. Howard, one day we’ll all celebrate together! God is good…all the time.
# Jerry and Marge 2024-09-14 15:03
Howard was a dear friend and neighbor. We had great memories and the UP trip with he and Carolyn will never be forgotten. Will miss him
# Mike and Debbie Heil 2024-09-14 10:47
We will miss your hugs and smile! Prayer team meetings will not be the same without your words of wisdom. We know you are with Carolyn and so happy!
# Tom Leggett 2024-09-13 20:07
I remember Howard well. Enjoyed sharing with him in the Thursday men's Bible Study at Saint.Mark's. His hugs were so welcoming at church or any place.
Enjoy your eternal rest and peace and the joy of being reunited with your Carolyn.
# Janice A Glupker 2024-09-12 15:02
I still have the best of cards from you on my refrigerator. I will always remember you and the hugs I got. Jan
# The Ennis Family 2024-09-11 20:20
My family and I always looked forward to seeing Howard at St. Mark. He was always there to greet you, give you a hug and ask how you were doing. We loved receiving birthday cards from him also with a handwritten note from him. My family will miss him dearly but we know he’s happy to be reunited with Carolyn again. ❤️
# Austin Phillips 2024-09-11 20:19
Grandpa Howard was one of the most generous, compassionate, hospitable, and funny men of God I've had the pleasure of meeting. He opened is home constantly to a group of young 20s to hang, eat chickfila, and have fellowship with. He'd show up to friend events, and more, always walking up to me and asking how I've been. As one who never grew up with a grandfather, I am grateful to experience the grandfatherly love from Howard. He will be deeply missed, but I know is now with the Father. His faith is now sight! Praise God.
Rest well grandpa Howard!
# Mike and Leah Guis 2024-09-11 19:56
He stepped in when we lost our father and referred to himself as our kids grandpa. He was the hands and feet of Jesus and so very loved. Heaven’s gain is surely our loss. Prayers for the peace that passes all understanding to his family.
# Steve Hiner 2024-09-10 22:20
I got to know Howard thru his many years with 3M. We were co-workers. He was incredibly funny with his subtle and some times dry sense of humor but most importantly, always a gentleman. A kind soul and one that was respected by all his peers and customers. Just a class individual that will be missed.
I know he is with Carolyn, in peace and in our Lord’s arms.
RIP my old friend. You will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Steve Hiner
# Kristin & Joe Nardi 2024-09-10 19:53
With our deepest sympathy
Thinking of each of you!
# The Robert Spaldings 2024-09-10 17:12
We both were deeply saddened to learn of Howard's passing. We looked forward to seeing him almost daily, a toot from the car for me, but a complete stop and talk with Arleen when seeing her in the yard, A gentleman's gentleman through and through. We witnessed his daily trips to spend it with Carolyn, the love of his life those so many years. We will greatly miss him, but know that they are both once again together in each others arns with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
# Kirk 2024-09-10 14:53
What an amazing person Howard was. Such a kind, gentle soul, amazing neighbor and friend. He will be missed.

Rest well my friend❤️
Add comment

Watch Live

Current Services

Bert Vanden TopBert Vanden Top
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Richard PurdomRichard Purdom
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Lori CheletteLori Chelette
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Jack EmpieJack Empie
Friday, November 1, 2024
Marilyn CallihanMarilyn Callihan
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Randall WarnersRandall Warners
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Robert JonesRobert Jones
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Robert Robert "Bob" Bursley
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Ronald L. HerleinRonald L. Herlein
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Kevin McNamaraKevin McNamara
Friday, October 25, 2024
Merlin KornoelyMerlin Kornoely
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Brian SnyderBrian Snyder
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Cheryl FultonCheryl Fulton
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Marjorie KosterMarjorie Koster
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Margareta GuerreroMargareta Guerrero
Monday, October 21, 2024
Dianne RipleyDianne Ripley
Monday, October 21, 2024