Henry Richard L'Esperance

Henry Richard L'Esperance, age 87 of Howell, passed away on October 20, 2025. A visitation will be held 5-8PM Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at First Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2970 Oak Grove Road, Howell. A funeral service will be held at 11AM Thursday, October 23, 2025 at the church with visitation an hour prior. Interment will take place in Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia.
Henry was born in Chicago on December 24, 1937, raised by his grandparents in Princess Point, Michigan. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959, it was during this time he received his high school diploma from Highland Park High School. Following his service, Henry married his love and best friend, Marilyn Kangas on October 15, 1960. Henry went on to further his education at Lawrence Technology University where he received his Bachelor's degree, and continued on to Central Michigan University where he received his Master's degree in 1982. Henry worked for ABB Paint Finishing, where he retired in 1999.
In Henry's free time, he enjoyed teaching others the intricate world of project management and industrial work, teaching at various universities. He loved constantly learning new things and opening his mind to different topics within his field. Additionally, Henry would study scripture, showcasing his devotion to his faith. A man of many talents, he loved martial arts as well and staying active. Henry loved telling others he walked three miles a day, sometimes even twice a day!
Henry is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn L'Esperance; children, Michael (Terri) L'Esperance of Wolverine Lake, MI, Julie L'Esperance of Brighton, MI, Michele (Terry) Harmala of Howell, MI, Margo (Mark) Heinonen of Howell, MI, Lynne (Paul Harper) L'Esperance of Scottsdale, AZ, Jill L'Esperance of Cokato, MN, Randy (Maria) L'Esperance of Byron, MI, Jane (Tim) Heinonen of Linden, MI, Mark L'Esperance of Howell, MI, Phil (Koren) L'Esperance of Howell, MI, Jodie (Ron) Roy of Howell, MI, and Andrew (Rachael) L'Esperance of Tucson, AZ; 60 grandchildren; 93 great grandchildren; his twin brother, Harvey (Mary) L'Esperance of Brighton, MI; and his sister, Wendy (Dan) Parks of Menahga, MN.
Henry was preceded in death by his children, Ronald L'Esperance, Susan L'Esperance, Bruce L'Esperance; grandson, Daniel Mark Heinonen; great granddaughter, Harper Ann Lequia; mother, Mathilda Kluck; and his brother, George L'Esperance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Henry's honor may be made to Alzheimer's Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Special Olympics of Michigan, or the charity of your choice.