Howard Bernard Kolbe

Howard B. Kolbe  7/24/1929 – 1/24/2025

Howard B. Kolbe – of Lambertville, MI was called home by his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 24, 2025, in his Florida home. Son of Bernard and Hulda (Badenhop) Kolbe, Howard was born on July 24, 1929, in Toledo, OH. As he began the 5th grade, Howard and his family moved to Sylvania, OH, where he graduated from Burnham High in 1947. After leaving the Army, he married Beverly McClure in 1954, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, where they attended and taught Sunday School for many years. Howard also served many terms on the church council. In 1956 Howard and Beverly built their home in Lambertville, MI, where they raise their children, Deb and Dan. Howard was a member of the Joseph W. Diehn American Legion Post (Sylvania), Riverview Moose Lodge, and numerous groups at the Rice Creek RV Park in Riverview, FL. He loved to travel with his family and friends.

In 1981, Howard and Bev became members of Olivet Lutheran Church of Sylvania, OH, where they were active members of Leisure League. From the finance committee to the rummage sale and to building and grounds maintenance, Howard donated his time to many tasks at the church and for many years. In later years, he volunteered with the church’s Daily Bread ministry on Wednesday evenings. Working most of his life as a welder, Howard retired from the DeVilbiss Company in 1991. Howard was a loving father and mentor to his family and many of his friends summed him up as a “gentle”, gentleman. He will be missed by his family and friends in both the Toledo area and in Riverview where he spent over 30 winters.

Howard is survived by his loving daughter Debra (Richard) Shock of Lambertville, MI and son Daniel B. Kolbe of Lambertville, MI. Grandchildren, Wendy, David (Amy), Matthew (Nella), and Michael (Autumn) Shock and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Megan and Morgan, Callum Howard, Isabelle Beverly and Emilia. Also survived by several nieces and nephews and by many who lovingly called him “grandpa”. Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Beverly, his parents, sister Bette Krumm and his special friend and companion Lois Brinning.

Visitation will be at Olivet Lutheran Church, 5840 Monroe St. Sylvania, OH on Saturday April 5, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. His Celebration of Life will begin at noon, with the internment to be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials can be made to the Olivet Hand Bell Choir, who he and Beverly loved to hear on Sunday mornings, The Riverview High School Chorus, Hospice of Northwest Ohio or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Online condolences to reebfuneralhome.com 

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