William Howard Hosking

William Howard Hosking, 93, of Gratiot Lake and Battle Creek, MI died at Bronson Battle Creek with family at his side on Wednesday, May 7, 2014.

Howard was born in Hancock, Michigan to William and Myrtle (Gray) Hosking on May 27, 1920. Howard was raised in Calumet, Michigan, where he was a graduate of Calumet High School Class of 1937. Upon graduation he began working at Houghton County Electric Power Company (Upper Peninsula Power Company).

Howard was united in marriage to Marion Rosemergy on December 1, 1944.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the USS Schroder DD501 and was honorably discharged in 1945.

After his discharge he returned to work at the power company until 1952. In 1952 he then began a new career with the U.S. Air Force Radar Station as a civil engineer and as the Power Production Foreman until his retirement in 1979.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife Marion in 1979. In 1985 he was united in marriage to Marilyn (Dabio) Richards.

He served 20 years on the Calumet High School Board of Education, and was a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees , Calumet United Methodist Church, Calumet-Keweenaw Sportsman Club, CLK Hockey Association and Battle Creek Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.

He and Marilyn resided in Battle Creek in the winter, returning to their Upper Peninsula home at Gratiot Lake for the summer. Howard's home at Gratiot Lake was his "heaven on earth".

In addition to his wife, Marilyn of Gratiot Lake and Battle Creek, he is survived by his sons, John (Bunny) Hosking of Battle Creek, Jim (Debra) Hosking of Ceresco, MI; grandchildren, Anne Hosking of Battle Creek, Christy (Mike) Mackaluso of Bolingbrook, IL, Mark (Danielle) Hosking of Clinton Twp., MI, Matt Hosking of Denver, CO, Emily (Matt) Green of Battle Creek, Ellen Hosking of Ceresco; stepsons, Clyde (Rosie) Richards of Marquette, IA, Bryan (Patricia) Richards of Florida and Battle Creek; great grandchildren, Zoe Mackaluso and Rowan Green; step grandchildren, Al Richards, Sabrina Richards of Marquette, IA, Anna Richards, Andrew Richards of Tampa, FL and great grandson, Thor Richards of Tampa, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard was preceded in death by a sister Elizabeth H. Binda and a step-brother, Phil Cooper.

Memorial graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet, MI, 49913, followed by fellowship at Calumet United Methodist Church for family and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calumet United Methodist Church, 57235 Calumet Avenue, Calumet, MI 49913. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.