Dan William Howe; age 91 of Shepherd passed away Monday, June 23, 2025 at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility peacefully with family by his side. Dan was born April 11, 1934 the son of Clifford and Julia (Shepard) Howe. He was a very hard worker and always felt the need to be productive. While in high school he worked nights (9 hours) at the Lobdell Co. and weekends at Medler Electric. After graduating in 1953, he began working for Consumers Power Company, and then on Valentine’s Day, 1954, he married his wife of 71 years Margaret Gruesbeck. He was then called to serve in the army in the military police division and also served 6 years in the active reserves. During his service, he was transferred to Italy where his wife soon joined him. Upon returning home he returned to his position at Consumers.
He loved to travel, taking many vacations all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas. He owned a motorcycle at all times from the ages of 16 to 87, putting over a million miles on them in total. He also put many, many miles on cars, motorhomes, and over 30 years on jeeps while “jeeping” through Arizona. His wife traveled the majority of those miles with him including a 3 week tour of Alaska on a motorcycle.
He was a gunsmith who made and repaired an unknown number of pistols, rifles, and shotguns over the years. He was very proud of the 57” Long Indian Trade Rifle he made. He loved target shooting with his dear friends Jerry Farnan and Rick Bellinger as well as with his son Daniel and daughter Kim.
He was a member of the Alma Pistol Club, Shepherd Whirlwinds Square Dancers (for a time he was a square dance caller as well), Toastmaster’s Int’l, A life member of the NRA, and the American Motorcycle Association. He has received numerous medals and awards for his shooting; competing locally, nationally, and internationally. He has given safety talks on gun handling to boy scouts and for Consumers Power Company.
He was proud of his Native American heritage and made many pieces of Native American art including beadwork and handcrafted pipes. He was able to fix anything and if a part was not available, he would make the part. He retired from Consumers after 36 years and was one of the lucky ones who worked for 36 years and then fully enjoyed 36 years of retirement.
Dan is survived by his wife Margaret; daughters Cheryl Howe and Kimberly (James Race) Howe; grandsons Casey (Anna) Drummond, Michael (Anna) Howe, and Bradley (Kristi) Howe; granddaughters Shannon (John Bixby) Fuentes, Jennifer (Tyler Hare) Drummond, and Jessica (Matthew) Irwin; several great grandchildren; and brother James Howe.
Dan is preceded in death by both his parents; his son Daniel Howe; grandsons Zachary Race and Samuel Race; great grandson Shaun Drummond; his youngest brother Ryan Webster; and sister-in-law Nancy Howe.
There will be a visitation Friday, June 27 from 4 to 7 at Berry Funeral Home with a military honors at 5:30 P.M. Dan will be interred at Salt River Cemetery with a graveside at 11 A.M on Saturday.
The family would like to give a special acknowledgement to the staff at the Isabella County Medical Care Facility who gave him such wonderful care and treated him like family. He really enjoyed making them laugh. Also, a special acknowledgement to Dan (June Craven) Hohlbein for their friendship and kindness in taking care of their residence while he was unable.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made on behalf of Dan to St. Jude’s Hospital.
