Howard Charles Strandt 1909-1998

 Howard Charles Strandt was born August 9, 1909 in Hinsdale, Illinois. His parents, William and Mary Strandt had moved to Illinois to try their luck after living in Michigan. They were already the parents of Eva, Carl and Ruth. Howard was their youngest, and last child. William and Mary didn't stay in Illinois too long as in the 1910 census they are living in Trowbridge Township with William's father, Carl Strandt. In 1920 the Strandt family, except for Carl, is living on what is now known as the Strandt family farm in Watson Township. Carl is living and working as a hired hand on another farm nearby.  In 1926 William, Mary and Howard are living with Carl and his wife Mildred in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Unlike older brother Carl, Howard attends and graduates from high school. He even attends Western Michigan College for 2 years. He later attends a business school for one year. The 1930 census finds him living at home with William and Mary and attending school. In January 1934 Howard marries Elma P. Huggins. Howard is 25 years old and lives in Plainwell, Michigan.

Howard and Elma's first child, Charles Alden, is born in July 1934. Another son, Wendell, is born on May 31, 1937. In 1938 Howard runs for office as Registrar of Deeds. He doesn't win. I'm not sure what Howard's occupation was during this time. This is also during the time that Carl sued William and Mary over ownership of the Strandt family farm. Howard and older sister Eva seemed to side with William and Mary. I'm not sure what they said or did, but it offended Carl to the point where he cut both Eva and Howard out of his life and vowed to never speak to either one again.

In 1940 Howard and his family are living in Allegan in a rented house. His occupation is listed as a branch manager in a license bureau. A servant girl is also listed as living with the family. Howard has listed 2 years of college completed. Elma listed one year of college completed.

In 1942 Howard is elected to his first year as the Registrar of Deeds for Allegan County, I believe. In 1948 Howard is elected president of the Michigan Association of Registrar of Deeds. From various news articles I've found, Howard and his wife Elma were very involved in Republican politics. They had a daughter, Charlene born in 1945. The 1950 census finds the family still living in Allegan, with Howard listed as the Registrar of Deeds. His neighbors include an attorney and the City Assessor. 

In December of 1957 Howard and Elma's oldest son, Charles, was involved in a horrific car accident that resulted in the death of his cousin Ruth, and injured Ruth's daughter Marilyn. Ruth, the daughter of Eva, was visiting family in Michigan. She and her daughter Marilyn were in the same car as Charles. Their car collided with a truck when they swerved to avoid hitting a mail truck that was in the wrong lane. Ruth died later at the hospital and Charles was critically injured. He sustained brain injuries and was paralyzed. Marilyn was also injured but was able to recover from her injuries. 

Howard remained Registrar of Deeds until late 1976. Even after retiring Howard stayed active in Republican politics, being elected to the executive committee of the Allegan GOP in 1984. By contrast his brother Carl was active in Democratic politics.

By all accounts, Howard was a smart, nice, well liked guy. Even though Carl hadn't spoken to him in years, Howard and his family showed up at Mildred's funeral and signed the guest book. 

Howard passed away March 8, 1998. He was 88 years old. 

From Oct 31, 1964

Please feel free to leave questions and comments below, or email me. Due to Carl's not associating with Howard I don't have a lot of personal stories on Howard. Carl named his oldest son "Howard" so I feel at one time Carl and his brother must've been close. Or at least on friendly terms.