Anker, Howard Nelson Saginaw, Michigan Passed away Monday, July 25, 2016, at Hoyt Nursing and Rehab Facility, at the age of 83 years, after a long, courageous battle with Leukemia, believed to be caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. He was born February 5, 1933, in Cass City, Michigan, one of ten children born to the late John Angus and Ina Irma (Schantz) Anker. He graduated from Cass City High School with the Class of 1951. He served in the US Air Force for 20 years, and retired as a Tech/Sgt. in 1973, in Wichita, Kansas. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, receiving a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam. He later was employed by General Motors in Saginaw for 10 years. Additionally, he had been employed by Roy Craft Modular Homes in Chesaning, Michigan, and the U.S. Post Office in Midland, Michigan. Howard was a life-member of the American Legion Post #150 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, the Korean War Veterans Association in Saginaw, Michigan, and the Air Force Sergeants Association. He was also a life-member of the Michigan Centennial Farm Association. He enjoyed country music concerts and going to many festivals and fairs all around Michigan. He enjoyed spending time with his large extended family often. He loved his animals, especially his last two cats, Lizzy and Willie. In his younger days, Howard was an avid gardener and loved caring for his flowers and landscaping. Howard married Patricia Ruth Rohn on July 3, 1971 at St. James Lutheran Church in Saginaw, Michigan. His wife of 45 years survives him. He also leaves four sisters and one brother, Cathy Marie Anker, Mary Ellen Thayer, Audrey J. Short and husband Ralph Short, and Gerry A. Brown, all of Vassar, Michigan; Lyle E. Anker and wife Judy Anker, of Cass City, Michigan; many nieces, nephews and their families. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his only child, one month old Nelson Howard Anker, in Wichita, Kansas, in 1972. He was also predeceased by three brothers, Norris John Anker, of Lake Orion, Michigan; Donald Lee Anker, of Cass City, Michigan; Stanley E. Anker, of Saginaw, Michigan; and by one sister, Marjorie Braddock, of Florida and California. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel, 5700 Dixie Highway, where his family will receive friends from 2:00 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, and then on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. William W. Hessler will officiate. Burial will take place in Spaulding Township Cemetery, with military honors under the auspices of the Birch Run V.F.W. Post #7542. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the American S.I.D.S. Institute. "Old soldiers never die, they simply fade away." www.casefuneralhome.com
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company
5700 Dixie Highway
Saginaw, MI
United States 48601
