Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Jun 18, 1934 – Jan 29, 2020 (Age 85)
HOWALD, Robert W. "Bob" - Of Grand Blanc, age 85, died Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Ascension Genesys Hospital.
A memorial service will be held 2pm Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, with Military Honors.
Neal Howald, his brother officiating.
Cremation has taken place.
Visitation 11am Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Robert was born in Flint on June 18, 1934, the son of the late Berne and Juanita Howald. On September 9, 1955, he married Betty May Kolbe and she preceded him in death on August 25, 2018. Bob proudly served with the United States Army. Bob was a Supervisor of Education and Training at Chevrolet Metal Fabrication and Executive Dean at Mott College.
Surviving are children, Gwen Rowden, Brian Howald and Timothy Howald;
Grandchildren, Adam Howald, Kyle Rowden and Cody Rowden;
Great-grand-daughter, Violet Howald;
Sibling, Neal (Maureen) Howald;
Sister-in-law, Janice Tubell;
And numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Howald and granddaughter, Kara Rowden.
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i miss u so much grandpa i hope ur doing ok i miss u love u and u where such a great grandpa love you
violet howald
March 22, 2022 | Family
Gwen, my condolences to you and your family. Im praying that God will give you comfort in your time of need.
Patsy Holder
February 05, 2020 | MI | Coworker
Bob was one of my first coworkers when I hired into Mott 30 years ago. He was working as an account executive in Business & Industry Training and was our GM connection, setting up training for the local workers. Of course, he was great at his job, but I valued him because of his wit and his direct way of dealing with issues. He was a no-nonsense worker, but still liked to joke around. I'll never forget when he was my secret Santa one year. While everyone around me was getting candles and...
Melanie Kolacheck
February 05, 2020 | Flushing, MI | Coworker
My condolences to Bob's family. He was a great co-worker and advisor. May fun memories fill the void. God Bless,
Ms. Van Buren
February 04, 2020 | Grand Blanc, MI | Coworker
My sincere condolences to the Howald family. My interface with Bob was relatively brief in time, but considerable non the less. Bob recruited me in 1973 for a 3 year coop position at Metal Fab. Upon graduation from college it was Bob's influence that resulted in my permanent hire. About a year later his influence resulted in my assignment to Labor Relations, which changed my life. In 1978 Bob convinced me to teach a labor relations course at Mott for 2 semesters. About that same time he also...
Dennis bemis
February 03, 2020 | Ortonville, MI
I worked with Bob on many projects at Mott. Considered him a good friend Bob's knowledge of the UAW and military rules kept us out of hot water many times. Gods blessings to you and your family
Nancy Cook
February 02, 2020 | Flint, MI
Lillie McCain and I always enjoyed working with Bob on many projects. He was a great colleague and will be greatly missed.
Paul Rozycki
Paul Rozycki
February 02, 2020 | Flint, MI
I worked with Bob for years at Mott. Even if we were on opposite sides of a bargaining table, he showed joy in just being together. He made hard decisions easier and impossible issues possible. I will miss him. He brought experience and fun to every project and/or trip.
Kelly Banks
February 01, 2020 | GILBERT, AZ
My heart goes out to you and your family Gwen.
It is so hard when you lose a parent.
All of your wonderful memories will help get you through the difficult days ahead.
Carla and Family
Carla Thomson
February 01, 2020 | Flint, MI
