Howard O Trowbridge

Howard O Trowbridge, 91, of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009, at Lakeland Skilled Nursing in Angola.

Howard was born April 19, 1917, in Elkhart to John Lawrence and Bessie (Petre) Trowbridge.

He married Ethel Louise (Green) Trowbridge on June 29, 1941. She preceded him in death on May 6, 1999. They spent most of their married life on their farm in rural Elkhart, surviving the Palm Sunday tornado of April 1965, rebuilding their home on the same site.

Their two children, Gene Howard Trowbridge and Nancy Louise Hostetler, both preceded them in death. Gene on March 23, 1999, and Nancy on July 6, 1991.

Howard graduated from Concord High School in Elkhart in 1935. He worked as a tool and die maker, retiring from South Bend Tool and Die. He was also a lifelong farmer. He enjoyed socializing at high school, family, and South Bend Tool and Die reunions. He was known to be a great conversationalist, a proud father and grandfather, and a truly good-natured gentleman.

He is survived by daughter-in-law Leona Trowbridge of Wakarusa, son-in-law Larry Hostetler of Wilkinson, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, 117 W Waterford St, Wakarusa, on Friday, March 27, at 1 pm. Visitation will be from 10:30-1 pm Friday at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Baugo Church of the Brethren or the charity of the donor's choice.