Howard Lehti, age 70, of Allendale, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 23, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years, Valerie Lehti; his sons, Steve (Jessica) Lehti and Christopher (Sarah) Lehti; grandchildren, Teagon, Jaelyn, Dylan, and Samantha. Howard was a loving, devoted family man who spent his spare time with his children and grandchildren. He was born in Hancock and after teaching school for 33 years in Grayling, Howard and Valerie moved to Allendale to be closer to family. He continued teaching driver education, traveling, and fishing from the pond. Howard was very active in sports, coaching football and basketball at the high school level and little league baseball. He was a faith-filled man and was very active in his parish of St. Luke. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at St. Luke University Parish, 10144 42nd Ave., Georgetown Township, with Fr. Bill Vander Werff and Fr. Brad Schoeberle concelebrating. Interment Allendale Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Luke Parish.
Leave Your Tribute Message
August 07, 2017 5:45am
Valerie and Family;
We were so very sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He was always a pleasure to have as a client and always loved him stopping by the office. May you find comfort in friends and family during this difficult time.
- Craig & Lori Combs
August 04, 2017 6:38am
Dear Valerie:
I found Howard's obituary quite by chance (Jack Trudgeon passed last week and I wanted to look at the guestbook-he was 86)
Anyway,I don't know if you will remember me, I was Fraser's wife, and also your oldest son's godmother.
How sorry I am to learn of Howard's passing. You were a loving and devoted couple. So sad.
God Bless you and yours, Valerie. You will be in my prayers. Loving regards - Karen Dean Benson
- Karen Dean Benson
July 28, 2017 5:41am
Dear Val,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort. You are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Mary Kay Hinkle
- Mary Kay Hinkle
July 26, 2017 4:49pm
thank you for teaching my son joe strelchuk how to drive it took alot of guts thanks.... doug strellchuk fl.
- doug strelchuk
July 26, 2017 8:13am
My sincerest condolences. I have very fond memories of Mr. Lehti and use the skills he taught me every single day. Takes a brave (and patient) man to get in the car with one new teenage driver, let alone hundreds. Sending loving thoughts to his family.
- Kelly Walters
July 25, 2017 8:38pm
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
- Jennifer (Smith) Hudson
July 25, 2017 4:41pm
Howard's efforts as teacher, coach and parishioner will continue to influence countless lives. May the comfort of memories be yours, Val, Steve, Chris and family.
- Rebecca Brown
July 25, 2017 4:32pm
So sorry to hear about Mr. Lehti's passing. He was a great teacher and coach. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. May God give you peace.
- Angela (Larson) Trager
July 25, 2017 9:27am
I have many fond memories of being of Mr. Lehti's classrooms. My thoughts to his friends and family!
- Brenda Shoberg
July 25, 2017 8:08am
So many fond memories. So sorry for your loss!
- Dave Wiltse Pat Wiltse
July 25, 2017 7:41am
May the memories and love carry you through this time. Mr Lehti was an awesome teacher. I speak fondly of him often while teaching my children. God bless and keep you all.
- Joni (Restainer) Dunckel
July 25, 2017 5:47am
Val, Steve, Chris and family, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Prayers for all of you for comfort, healing and peace.
- David Bezotte, Houghton, MI
July 25, 2017 3:12am
Valerie, Steve and Chris, our hearts break for you at the loss of your beloved husband and father. Please take solace in the fact that the world is definitely a better place for Howard having been in it. Our thoughts and prayers are of you.
- Terry & Linda Wright
July 25, 2017 2:06am
May the Blessings of our Lord and Savior be with the family and fill your mind with wonderful memories and Peace.
- Dennis Ormsbee
July 24, 2017 6:40pm
My husband and I both had Mr. Lehti for a teacher, and both of our children had him for driver's ed. He will be remembered by several generations here in Grayling. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
- Yvonne Golnick
July 24, 2017 6:03pm
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away... Blessed be the name of Lord who gave us Howard and our memories. May the skies by your traveling ground and the clouds be your paths........... May you smile forever and be at peace.
- sandra taylor