Howard Reenders

Howard Reenders was born May 16, 1931 in Grand Haven, MI to Arthur and Evelyn Reenders.  At the age of 15, he met his future wife, Barbara Boot, at First Reformed Church in Grand Haven.  Howard took Barb for a ride in his 1946 Ford convertible on a Sunday afternoon and soon the two of them were going steady. Howard and Barb were married in 1952 and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Howard passed away on November 7, 2023, after a short illness. 

There will be a private Family Celebration of Howard’s life.     

Howard Reenders was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara.  They shared a lifetime of dreams, hard work, raising their six children, downhill skiing, playing tennis, antiquing, and traveling the world. He is survived by his children: Nancy VanWoerkom, Shirley (Lee) Woodruff, Lisa (Keith) Granger, Dennis (Sue) Reenders, Paul (Carol) Reenders, and Scott (Julie) Reenders. Howard is also survived by his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law, Wilma Reenders. Howard has also been a great champion, mentor, and inspiration to his 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Arnold, and sister-in-law, Betty.

Howard was a lifetime member of First Reformed Church, where he committed his life to God, was married, baptized and raised six children. Howard was confident of his salvation in the Lord and looked forward to being reunited with his bride.      

Howard enjoyed many things in life, but the love and support of his family always came first. He enjoyed working with and mentoring his children and grandchildren.  He still owned a 1927 Cadillac LaSalle which he purchased in 1954 and restored. He was a member of the Horseless Carriage Club for many years and enjoyed traveling around Michigan with his young family.  Howard was also a member of the Michigan Association of Home Builders and the Michigan Housing Council.   

Howard first began working with his father, Arthur, then his two brothers, Arnold and Robert, and then his children and grandchildren. Howard always ran his business with a strong Christian faith, confident that as a team, we could do anything, and a passion for quality that he inherited from his parents. He practiced business as he lived his life; with honesty and integrity, with faith that people were truly good, and with forgiveness when anyone was incompetent, dishonest or messed up!

Howard’s passion for business, along with the support and efforts of his family, have provided quality housing and now care and service to thousands of individuals throughout the State of Michigan. Those businesses have also provided meaningful jobs and careers. In 2021, Howard was honored to receive the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Howard’s name be made to First Reformed Church of Grand Haven or Hospice of North Ottawa Community.

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