I've known Howard since I was knee high to a grasshopper. There are many things you can say about this wonderful man. Honestly, I did not get to see him a great deal because we never lived in the same state. However, He is probably the most intelligent and patient person I ever met and had impact on my life.
When I was a kid, I remember going to his home and he would always have something interesting planned. He had these little projects set up for us kids to do and it was always exciting. I remember all the gadgets he made for doing work faster and easier like the piece of equipment he attached to his riding mower to pick up leaves. He made this himself and I was always amazed at his abilities. When I became a young man I remember he took interest in my life and what I was doing...He is such a great listener.. He was a perfect example of someone having one mouth and two ears, He listened twice as much as he talked. When I became a man... okay.. old man... I always enjoyed our conversations. Howard listened with intent and treated you as if you were the most important person at that moment. Hard quality to find in folks nowadays. It's honestly one of the things I think and reflect about the most of Howard. So sincere, patient and meaningful conversation. Actually inspires me to be a better man.... A man like Howard who followed the example of Christ.  

He was a good neighbor. I have had enjoyed peaceful neighborhood relationship and build a friendship.  I still taste our last meeting for sharing persimmon cake that Linda made. I wished him long life but I didnt expect losing a good neighbor suddenly. We will miss him cutting his lawns and burning tree branches on his property. That was a joy for his retired life from my view and I admired him for keeping up his happiness being active. Nothing last forever but memories will. 

When we think about those with whom we shared some moments of our life, we have pictures in our mind of the struggles they must have had to face.
Those struggles bring out the real person, whose character is manifested by the ability to be compassionate toward others.
I always thought that compassion was what I observed in Howard. It worked well in drawing all of his dear ones near to him, so they could share time with him and the others.
This isn’t an easy thing to do in families where strong willed parents are in charge. Love must be the ruling characteristic if effective unity is to be the defining attribute.
He was a teacher who cared for his ‘little ones’. They followed because they could see genuine love in his heart for them.
We hope that love can be a legacy for all of us as we await our final day.
Uncle Glenn

Beautiful way to honor your father. He was a wonderful person and loved by all. So sorry for your Loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

What a beautiful memorial of Uncle Howard!!! What a life and what love he put forth into this world that will carry on so long after him! 
I have many memories of Uncle Howard from all the visits to his home in Illinois, but my favorite is the time he took the family camping to Fish Lake in Wisconsin and they were gracious enough to take me with them. It was the first time I learned what a sandbar was, the first time I had ever camped and the first time ever that food, specifically Uncle Howard’s scrambled eggs, tasted SO good. It remains one of the happiest trips of my life!
I also will remember a time that Uncle Howard, Aunt Linda and my mother came to our home for dinner and I think we had spaghetti and meatballs and a raspberry custard pie. He ate this simple, humble meal with such relish and enjoyment.  And he said the pie reminded him of his childhood. And he took seconds. His appreciation of that meal was one of the greatest compliments I’ve had as a hostess.
And of course, I will carry in years to come the love between Uncle Howard and Aunt Linda. Their many laughs together and the kindness, love and appreciation they had for one another. 
To all his family, I hope you can feel his presence in your lives and feel the peace knowing he will always be with you! ❤️

It was so great spending time with Howard, he always made us laugh! He was always so focused on the kids - we will miss him so much!!

He was awesome. And I loved all his trailer rides. And I also like having sleep overs at his house . And having Ice cream with him. -Julia Timmermans (granddaughter 8 years old)

I liked watching the birds with Opa, eating ice cream, trailer rides and playing with him and when he would come to our house. I also liked eating dinner with him. I also liked sitting in his favorite brown chair with him. (Jacob Timmermans, grandson 5 years old)

Dear Linda, Rachel, Erik and family,

We met Howard and Linda when we visited Erik and Rachel. We remember him as a very warm and hospitable person. We know he was a great husband, dad, father in law and opa. He will be missed. We wish Linda, Rachel, Erik, Julia, Jacob, Liam and all his children and grandchildren all the strength.

Love,

Maurits, Judith, Willem and Cato Timmermans

He was my best Opa. He would give us trailer rides and we would have ice cream with him. I love him. Liam Timmermans (Grandson, 5 years old)