Howard D. Kalleward

Howard Dale Kalleward, 98 years old, passed away Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Meilland Square, Heritage Community, Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Howard was born July 22, 1925 to the late Dan and Cora Kalleward.  He was united in marriage to Jane (DeBoer) Kalleward in 1948 and blessed with 70 years of marriage.  Howard is survived by his children, Kathy Thomas and Karen (David) Witvoet; grandchildren, Kate Thomas, Allyson (Joseph) Pienkowsky, John Witvoet, Timothy (Shannon) Witvoet; great-grandchildren J.T. Pienkowsky, Carson Witvoet, and Piper Witvoet. Howard was preceded in death by his wife Jane in 2018; his parents; and his sister, Marie (Harold) Pikkaart.  Howard graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1943 and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He attended Parsons Business School and Toledo University. In 1948, Howard joined The Upjohn Company and in 1965 began working with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, becoming the Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation until his retirement in 1987. He is a member of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation Emeritus Council, trustee emeritus of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, and emeritus member of the board of directors at the Kalamazoo Civic. He served as president of the Richard U. Light Foundation, as vice president of the Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, and was active with the Kalamazoo Rotary Club, and Western Michigan University Foundation.  He served on various boards in Kalamazoo area focused on fund-raising initiatives for local charities.  Howard was a charter member of Greenwood Reformed Church.  He spent 25 years officiating high school and college football and basketball.  He enjoyed bowling and woodworking and was an avid golfer and member of the Kalamazoo Country Club.  Howard was a faith filled man who loved his wife and family, truly cared about others in the Kalamazoo community, and lived a life of faith, dignity, and service to others.  Our family would like to thank the Meilland Square staff and Careline Hospice Team for their loving care of Howard.  A private family service will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2023, with Pastor Michael VandenBerg officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 622 S Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007.  Memorials in Howard’s memory may be directed to the Howard D. Kalleward Operational Fund, Kalamazoo Community Foundation https://www.kalfound.org/giving/list-of-funds  or your favorite charity. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com