Howard Roy Rosenhagen, 82, of Chapelgate Rd., Niles, died at 6:40 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 at his home, following a brief illness.

Mr. Rosenhagen was born on April 9, 1927 in Benton Harbor to Ulrich and Olga (Kelm) Rosenhagen. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1945 and moved to Niles in 1949. Howard retired in 1982 from Williams Home Center in Niles.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He was a fan of the Detroit Tigers and the University of Michigan. Howard also restored antique tractors, trucks and made “fine” furniture. He was a former building inspector for Bertrand Township.

On June 4, 1949 in Niles he first married the former Joan M. Forler, who preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 1969.

Later in Niles on April 15, 1972, he married the former Betty J. (Hoskins) Davis, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Alan H. (Sherri) Rosenhagen of Niles; Scott M. (Laura) Rosenhagen of Berrien Springs, Mich.; Linda F. (Ronald) Brock of Niles; Cindy K. (James) Chaney of Berrien Springs; son-in-law, Leslie Lundy of Dowagiac, Mich; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Violet Bookout of Niles; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Ann Lundy, who died July 3, 2003, and brothers, Harold and Herbert Rosenhagen.

The funeral service for Howard Roy Rosenhagen will be held Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Wade S. Panse of First United Methodist Church of Saint Joseph, Mich., officiating. Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Howard may be made to Hospice At Home.