Howard Eldon Cole

Name: Visitation
Start: 05/08/2018 03:00 PM
End: 05/08/2018 08:00 PM
Location: Smits Funeral Home

November 1, 1943 — May 5, 2018

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Howard Eldon Cole, age 74, of Valparaiso, IN went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 5, 2018. Beloved husband of Cynthia Leistra Cole. Loving father of Jodi Cole (Richard) Meyer, Brenda Cole (Dave) Normoyle, Greg (Julie) Cole. Devoted grandfather of Mason Vander Lugt, Kaitlin Vander Lugt (Curtis) Pasma, Merrick Vander Lugt, Monica Vander Lugt (Joey) Vander Schaaf, Kerrisan Meyer (Jason Gauthier), John Normoyle, Delaine Meyer (Derrick) Vander Laan, Alivia Meyer (Joshua) Wilbraham, Jordan Normoyle (Jacob) Saylor, Lindsey Vander Lugt, Josh Cole, Derek Cole, Isabelle Cole and great-grandfather of Gabriella, Ella, Johnny, Nora, Cole and Noa. Dear brother of Stan (Barb) Cole, Bill (Barb) Cole, and Margaret Cole (Richard) Schuyler. Cherished son-in-law of Pearl Leistra.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garrett and Elizabeth Cole, his first wife Doris Terpstra Cole and a brother Gary Cole.

Howard taught at Illiana Christian High School for 38 years . Whether in the classroom, on the wrestling mat, or in the community, he influenced many people with his encouragement and good humor. He was passionate about the Lord, his family, reading, golf, crossword puzzles, running, mowing the lawn, the New York Yankees, wrestling, writing in his journal and sending monthly family letters. He loved and served the worshiping community at Church of the Savior in South Bend, IN. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Visitation, Tuesday, May 8, 2018 from 3:00 – 8:00 P.M. (CDST) at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN . A visitation will also be held on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 from 5:00 P.M. until the time of the funeral service at 7:00 P.M. (EDST) at the Church of the Savior Christian Reformed Church, 1855 North Hickory Road, South Bend, IN . Burial will take place on Friday, May 11, 2018 in Churchill Cemetery – Churchill, MT. Memorial contributions may be given to Illiana Christian High School Building Fund (B.U.I.L.D. Illiana) 2261 Indiana Ave., Lansing, IL 60438 .

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