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| Howard Festerling was a fine pastor, a wonderful person to know, full of humor and good stories. Most importantly, he was faithful to the Word of God when leaders were faithless and hostile to it. |
Obituary For: Rev. Howard H. Festerling | Gephart Funeral Home:
Rev. Howard H. Festerling, 70, of Midland, MI was welcomed to his eternal home on January 8, 2013. We rejoice that he is now with his Savior in Heaven. The son of Lester and Esther Festerling, Howard was born in Bay County on July 7, 1942. He attended St. John’s Ev. Lutheran School and Handy HS (’60), followed by Northwestern Lutheran College (’65). On December 26, 1965, he married the love of his life, Judith Haverkate, in Lake Mills, WI. In 1967 Howard and Judi took the first of many adventures in their 47-year marriage.
Howard became a teacher and headmaster at a Lutheran Chinese middle school in Hong Kong, where they were blessed to have three daughters. In 1975, the family returned to the U.S. so Howard could attend Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. As a minister, Pastor Festerling served the Lord at missions in Jakarta, Indonesia, Toledo, OH, Vancouver, BC, and Cadillac and Fenton, MI. Howard also had a passion for architecture and design, which he put to use managing the construction of two churches, building two homes by hand (with the tireless help of Judi), and designing kitchens for Design Classics in Toledo, OH as well as Home Depot in Midland. He will be remembered for his conviction in God’s word, his ability to speak to anyone, his love of words and language, and his quick wit.
Howard is survived by his wife, Judi K. Festerling, daughters, Lori (Matthew) Gries of Atlanta, GA; Jennifer (Jamison) Diehl of Toledo, OH; and Kimberly (Craig) Schuette of Midland and six grandchildren: Benjamin, Sarah & Luke Gries, John Henry Diehl, and Kaylee & Wyatt Schuette. Also surviving are siblings Robert (Paula), Linda (Jim Philip), Lois (Tom Tackebury), Roger (Mimi) and John (Julie). He is predeceased by a daughter, Hope (1987). The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, Jan. 12 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Bay City. Officiating will be Rev. John Seifert and Rev. Carl Otto.
The family will receive friends at the Gephart Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 10 from 6-8 pm, and on Friday, Jan. 11 from 2-4 and 6-9 pm, and from 10 am until the time of service at 11 am. A luncheon will be served in the church hall following internment at Oakridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Midland.
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