Howard Leroy Bolin

July 29, 1926 - Oct. 16, 2016

GRANGER - Howard ‘Howie' Leroy Bolin danced his way into heaven with his signature pipe in hand on October 16th, 2016 in Englewood, FL. Born to Herman and Beatrice Bolin, Howard's amazing 90-year journey began in Granger, Indiana on a farm, where he was raised, together with his siblings, Evelyn, Beverly (deceased) and Wilbur (deceased). After graduating from Riley HS in 1944, Howard joined the US Army as a Military Police officer. In 1945, he was sent to Germany where he patrolled the streets of Munich on his Harley. It was here, at an ice rink, that Howard met his first love, Johanna (née Janta). The two married in Munich and moved to South Bend in 1948, where they raised their two children, Jacqueline (Hazen, deceased) and Michael.

Howard could never sit still. When he wasn't at work (he spent 45 years as a loyal Koontz-Wagner employee), he was using his meticulous planning and craftsman skills managing one of his ‘projects.' The ultimate example was when he built his own Granger home brick by brick in 1953. He was an avid golfer, charter member of the Knollwood CC and ND football Usher.

Howard was active in the Catholic Church; as an early member of St. Pius X he helped physically build the church and was also a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member.

Howard lost his ‘German girl' to cancer in 1992 - but was then blessed to meet his second love, Betty O'Brien. They married and retired to Florida and spent 24 wonderful years together dancing their way through paradise. He will be remembered for his pipe, famous 5'O Clock Southern Comfort Manhattans, his warm laugh and unforgettable zest for life.

Howard will be greatly missed by his wife Betty, his sister Evelyn (Wayne) Stutsman, his son Michael (Rebecca) Bolin, three stepsons; Kurt and John Wagner, David Gombosi, eight grandchildren: Ian (Yvonne) Bolin, Aaron (Emily) Bolin, Dana (Michael) Kujawaski (née Bolin), Erica (Garth) George (née Hazen), Andrea Hazen, Shanon Brown, Cheryl and Bobbi Gombosi and 14 Great-grandchildren.

Howard loved his family. In lieu of donations and in his honor, hug a loved one and take a moment to express the blessings of family.

The family will receive friends from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Sunday, October 23, 2016, at the Bubb Funeral Chapel 3910 N. Main St. Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 24, 2016 at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 9:30am, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., Granger, IN. Monsignor William Schooler will officiate.

574 255-3126

Published in South Bend Tribune on Oct. 22, 2016