Howard W. Kuenzli

It is said that the measure of a man is not determined by his show of outward strength, but rather in terms of the love that he has for his family and for everyone, in the strength of his commitments, the genuineness of his friendships, and the sincerity of his purpose. By this measure, Howard Wayne Kuenzli stood out as a true giant among men. Born April 7, 1934 in Mikado, Michigan to Russell and Velma (Goddard) Kuenzli, Howard was the oldest of his brothers, Dale, Ronald, and John. He graduated from Oscoda High School and joined the Michigan National Guard. On October 9, 1954, he married Laura Huffman, the love of his life, and married her again in a formal church wedding on their 50th wedding anniversary. Howard and Laura built a legacy together. They raised two daughters, Margaret and Marilyn. Howard drove a pop delivery route for Ossineke Bottling Company, before working with Gene Byce at the B & M Market. Howard started working as a butcher at 22 years old; he and Laura eventually owned and operated the market until their retirement in 1995. During their 15 years owning the B & M, Howard and Laura made their mark as honest, hard working business people that truly invested in their community. Howard was always behind the meat case; cooking kielbasa for hungry shoppers to sample, seasoning roasts so they were oven ready for busy families, and sneaking hotdogs to tired kids while their parents shopped. He always had a smile, a joke or story, a listening ear, a piece of advice. Howard and Laura prided themselves on being able to give back to their community. Opening the store after hours when a customer had a need, dropping some extra groceries into bags when they saw someone struggling, candy when kids brought it good report cards; these small acts of kindness that are remembered fondly by so many. Howard was a member of the Lincoln Village Council and served as the chief of the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department. When Lincoln was in its heyday, Howard boasted about being deputized on Halloween, as the trouble-making kids were too much for our small department to keep after; he loved every minute of this. Howard was a dedicated member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln, which he helped build from the ground up and served as President and Elder for many years. After his retirement, he enjoyed volunteering at Vacation Bible School. Howard’s gift was connecting with people. He was known to strike up conversations wherever he went and these small conversations always ended in a friendship for Howard. To know him was to love him; his mere presence brought a positivity and joy that was contagious. Upon retirement, he regularly made routine stops around Lincoln to visit with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed gardening, fishing on Drummond Island, and horse camping adventures. In his final years, Howard enjoyed watching the deer, spending time with his beloved dogs, the company of his family, and going on adventures around the county with his caregiver and friend, Amanda Alvarez. Howard left his earthly life on February 28, 2022 at Medilodge in Alpena. Howard was preceded in death by his wife Laura, his parents, brothers Dale and John, his grandson James Miltner, and special nephews Dale and Timothy Byce. He is survived by his brother Ron (Darlene) of Caro, MI and special in law’s Dick and Beatrice George of Harrisville. Howard leaves behind his daughters and son in law, Margaret Kuenzli of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Marilyn and James Wissmiller, of Lincoln; as well as three grandchildren; Marcie Wissmiller of Lincoln, Jodie (Tommy) Promod of St Albans, UK, and Sheldon (Lisa) Kranendonk of Sault Ste Marie. He was blessed with seven great grandchildren; Brooklyn, James and Levi Storey, Isabelle and Luke Promod, Lucy Kranendonk, and Isa Miltner. Howard will be missed by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and community members that are simply too many to name. An outdoor memorial service will be held at a later date to honor Howard, as we know he was loved by so many. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Howard W. Kuenzli, please visit our flower store.