Howard J. Andress

When his wife, the love of his life, passed away in May of 2013, Howard whispered to her casket; "Save a spot for me." Early on Valentine's morning Howard J Andress Sr. passed peacefully in his sleep joining his true valentine in a heavenly embrace. Margaret, 'Shirley' Andress remained ever present in his thoughts and heart for all those years. They are together again.
Howard J Andress Sr. is survived by his lone remaining sibling Arlene Robbins of Fresno CA, his seven adoring children: Debby (Larry) Gentry, Howard (Vicki) Andress, Larry (Penny) Andress, Brian (Linda) Andress, Greg Andress, Tracy (John) Curtis, and Todd (Julie) Andress; 14 grandchildren: James (Miranda), Laura, Taylor, Crista (Scott), Genevieve (Rob), Ben (Breanna), Elizabeth (Matt), Robert, Danny (Janell), Brianna (Owen), Jacob (Hailey), Alexandra (Evan), Nicole, and Austin; and 12 great grandchildren: Gabrielle, Nathaniel, Luka, Colin, Madeline, Kail, Kayelynn, Dylan, Case, Winnie, and River.
Howard was born on the Andress family farm in Metamora, Michigan on September 6, 1935. He learned the value of hard work and initiative during those formative years on the farm. Surrounded by 7 siblings, grandparents and several extended family members in the area, Howard was nurtured by a close knit community of family members who shared those values of hard work, responsibility and honesty.
When he was 14, the immediate family moved to the Oscoda - Tawas area where they ran a grocery store/gas station on US 23. He was a fun loving kid who made time for school, part time work, and spending time with his buddies pursuing the lifestyle that calls out to young men. In high school he once filled in for his ailing Algebra teacher and taught his class for two weeks. He enjoyed learning, was good at it, but enjoyed being around people even more and they enjoyed being around him. That was to be a consistent storyline his entire life.
Like his father and grandfathers, Howard was skillful with calculations, problem solving, and eventually, carpentry.
His wife Shirley grew up next door to Howard's Aunt Wilma in Pontiac. He frequently made the trip to Pontiac from Metamora either on the bus or hitching a ride with the milk truck (the family farm featured a herd of dairy cows). It was there that they would become acquainted. The fire between them was lit after Howard finished high school and was living with his aunt while working in Pontiac. They fell in love and a lifetime romance ensued. Tears would come to his eyes when he retold comments his sisters made: "Howard, don't let this one get away." His family loved Shirley and recognized a perfect fit.
The first three years of their marriage were spent in Tawas. Howard put an addition on to the small house and it became home for Howard and Shirley and their first three children, Debby, Howard Jr., and Larry.
Job prospects were better down state. They found a home in Waterford, Howard began work as a tool maker for Valenite Metals (Valeron Corporation), a growing tool and die company. He began as a precision machinist, soon after becoming shop foreman. Precision and quality were always important to him; "If you're going to do something, do it right.", so it is not a surprise that he excelled in his craft. Given his interpersonal skills and charisma it was natural that he would soon become plant manager. He ran the best performing plant in the company. However, it did not last. It was the 1970's and the tool and die industry was facing a challenge from Asian competitors. The Valeron Corp. was bought out by a rival and soon after that, by GTE. Howard found himself in a new role. He supported the sales team as they pitched large contracts, traveled around the country and to Mexico to help set up or upgrade factories. It was a fun new challenge and Shirley would join him on some of the trips. Their two-week trip to Mexico was one that they always cherished. While travel was not a huge aspect for the job, those separations from Shirley were a strain. When a buy-out opportunity presented itself in the '80's Howard jumped on it. There would be other opportunities.
Their first home in Waterford was a quaint little ranch on a crawl space with a large lot. Lots of room for the kids to play. The next four children, Brian, Greg, Todd, and Tracy, were born during this time. As the family grew, they needed more space. A basement was added, dug by hand with the help of family members. Howard expanded the house; besides the basement there was the addition off the back, the family room and garage to the side. While he got help, it was largely his efforts that made this small house into a wonderful home for a large family. In the process Howard was refining his carpentry and cabinet building skills. It was those skills that transformed a hobby into a second career. After taking the company buyout Howard and Shirley decided to build a new house, this time from the ground up. Howard was the architect, draftsman, and primary workforce for the new endeavor.
Around this same period, Howard and Shirley bought a place in Estero, Florida and would winter there for a decade. With a tool trailer connected to his truck Howard took his work with him for their winter homestead. His skills were in high demand. They had worked hard all of their lives; forever expanding and modifying their houses, scrimping, saving, and pinching those pennies. In the early years Shirley would commonly fill the freezer and the basement storeroom with over 600 jars of canned fruits and vegetables for the large backyard garden. But these years in Florida were their golden years. While his cabinetry jobs kept him busy, he didn't allow it to dominate his schedule. He loved the work, but loved his time with Shirley even more. They balanced it beautifully.
While heart broken, Howard managed these past years without her with his measure of grace and courage. His cabinet building skills remained in high demand. From custom shelving to complete kitchens he plied his craft with the precision, quality, attention to detail that were his hallmarks. These last few years featured some health challenges, but you would never know it from the manner in which he embraced life. His humor and love of people never wavered. People would continue to gravitate toward him. The exchanges were always punctuated with laughter, the warm tears of nostalgia, the ever unfolding wave of love and friendship. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.
His family was his foundation stone and he spent a lifetime crafting a household. Funeral service will be held Friday, March 14, 2025 at 11 AM at COATS FUNERAL HOME-CLARKSTON, 8909 Dixie Hwy. Family will receive friends Thursday from 4-8 PM. The funeral service will be on Facebook Live. Go to Coats Funeral Home Facebook page. You do not have to have your own Facebook to watch. Search Coats Funeral Home Facebook.