Howard Branch's Obituary
Mr. Howard Wayne Branch, age 81, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 02, 2005. Howard was born July 4, 1924 to Clara and Leslie Branch in Muskegon. On December 11, 1943, he married Carmen Loftis in Muskegon. She preceded him in death on September 20, 2003. Howard was an active member of Covenant Community Church since 1955 and throughout the years he served as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. He has been very active in the DeColores En Cristo community since attending his first Cursillo weekend in 1974. Howard was a 1942 graduate of Muskegon Hts. High School and served his country in WW II. He was employed at Sealed Power for 35 years prior to spending his last 28 years in a happy, healthy and active retirement. Howard and Carmen wintered in Thonotosassa, Florida during their retirement years where they attended the Thonotosassa United Methodist Church. Howard greatly enjoyed his family, gardening and golfing. He is SURVIVED by his children, Shari (Rich) Johnson, Sally (John) Olejarczyk, Wendy (James) Jilek, all of Muskegon, and Howie (Judy) Branch of Jenison; 12 grandchildren, Rick (Lori) Johnson, Tammy (Zane) Dyer, Shane (Lilly) Olejarczyk, Laura (Ernie) Bisson, Carmen Olejarczyk, Scott Olejarczyk, Mathew (Shannon Nemeth) Branch, Eric (Jen) Branch, Tracey (Christina) Branch, Brandon Branch (fiancé, Kelly), Jeniffer Jilek and Dustin (Melissa) Jilek; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 special brother, Lee (Delores) Branch, 1 sister-in-law, Marion (Donald) Dunker of N. Fort Meyers, FL and many nieces and nephews. Along with his loving wife, Carmen, Howard’s infant daughter, Linda Lee and sister, Helen, preceded him in death. A CELEBRATION OF NEW LIFE will be held Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 3:00 PM at Covenant Community Church, 134 E. Barney Ave. with Pastors Miriam & Mark Bush co-officiating. INTERMENT: Mona View Cemetery. VISITATION will be today from 2-5 PM at
Walburn Chapel,Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., 759-8565. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Covenant Community Church Choir or Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana. Share memories with the family at their “On-line Guest Book” at www.sytsemafh.com.
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