Howard Cogswell

Howard John Cogswell, age 80, of Jenison, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025. Howard was born on June 4, 1945, in Goxhill, Cleethorpes, England, to Lloyd Robert Cogswell and Elsie "Isobel" (Atkin) Cogswell. In 1949, he moved to Hastings, Michigan, with his parents and lived on the Cogswell family farm for several years before settling in Grand Rapids, where he attended Ottawa Hills High School and GRCC. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Isobel; uncle, Peter Atkin; and son-in-law, Scott Balfoort. He is survived by his children: Scott (Amy) Cogswell, Christina Balfoort, Theresa (Aaron) Loew, and Marcy Spearow; grandchildren: Taylor and Brayden Cogswell; Samuel Balfoort; Brittany, Peyton, and Knox Flowers; Greyson and Westyn Loew; Dez, Kayla, and Ally Spearow; and his former spouse, Karen Cogswell Schaap. 

Howard was a Vietnam veteran and proud of his service in the U.S. Army during the war. His careers included Kroger, Tack Electronics, and after retirement, he enjoyed working part-time at Scott’s Ski Shop. Howard was busy with several lifelong hobbies and his interests included planting a large garden every year and sharing his harvest with his children and grandchildren. Howard loved spending time attending family sporting events, watching movies and football, birthday and holiday celebrations, reading, music, physical fitness, Saturday breakfast outings, and enjoying bowling with family and friends. 

A service to celebrate Howard’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, at MKD Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. The burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.