Howard Bruce Veltman, age 62, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 4, 2022. Howard is survived by his loving wife Brenda (Elias) Veltman of 39 years and his children Emily (Om) Shankar, Austin Veltman, Gina (Nathan) Schau, and Nathan Veltman. He cherished his blossoming relationship with his grandchildren Isla, Eleonore, and Joanna, who affectionately knew him as “Donk.” He is also survived by his father Arthur Veltman, his brother Warren (Julie) Veltman, his sister Elizabeth Veltman, and his aunt Marcia Tiesinga. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna (Tiesinga) Veltman.
Howard was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 28, 1959. He graduated from Forest Hills Northern High School in 1977, and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in 1981. It was at the UM that Howard met and fell in love with Brenda. They were married in 1982, and they started their life together with Howard attending the Law School at Valparaiso University from which he earned a Juris Doctorate in 1984.
Howard’s relationship with Jesus Christ served as the framework for his entire life, and studying the bible was one of his greatest joys. He was a member at Thornapple Covenant Church for 30 years, serving where called in children’s education, in finance and treasury, and as an elder. He also spent many years in Bible Study Fellowship, both as a member and as a children’s leader.
Excellence and integrity characterized Howard’s life and work. He earned his CPA license working in the tax group at Deloitte, but his career was defined by his time at Old Orchard Brands, where he spent 24 years serving in several senior executive roles helping to transform and grow the business into one of the most successful juice companies in North America. Old Orchard was acquired by Lassonde Industries in 2018, and Howard would go on to serve as the President of Old Orchard and of Lassonde’s Branded Business in the United States. The devotion he relentlessly gave throughout his career was exemplified by his love and respect for those with whom he worked, which blessed him with friendships that lasted for decades.
Howard treasured time with his family and friends, and he delighted in creating special memories with them. Along with his wife and children, he maintained deep relationships with his brother, sister, nieces and nephews. He enjoyed fishing on Lake Michigan, and later relaxing on Walloon Lake. The world’s most dedicated Detroit Lions fan, he loved learning new things, freshly-ground coffee, a great meal out, University of Michigan sports, and being well dressed. His love of life and infectious laugh will be missed by all who knew him.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, https://www.wycliffe.org/donate or Thornapple Covenant Church, https://www.thornapple.org/giving (choose Memorials/Howard Veltman)
Visitation will be 3-5pm Sunday, January 9, 2022, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral services will be 11am Monday, January 10, 2022, at Thornapple Covenant Church, 6595 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 with visitation one-hour prior. Services will be livestreamed at thornapple.org/veltman. Co-celebrants, Rev. Rob Peterson and Rev. Andrew Vanover.
8 Responses
I am very grateful to have known you my friend. God keep you and bless you in eternal peace.
For more than 20 years, Howard was the greatest gentleman, client and partner. We will miss him and send our deepest sympathies to his family and co-workers. Rest in peace Howard God bless.
All our sympathies to Howard family ,,,,i really enjoyed working with HOWARD FROM 2018TILL 2021 SEPT ,,,,i will keep a great souvenir of how Howard was ,a real gentleman …
I worked with Howard on a fairly brief but intense basis. A remarkable experience in my life: It took him zero time to expand our relationship from purely professional to great friend and mentor, and in doing so he completely redefined my definition of what constitutes a “great person”.
Every layer of Howard you peeled back, the more exemplary a person he became. He was a veritable onion of greatness: great leader, great colleague, great mentor, great partner, great friend, great family man — just great through and through on every level (not to mention great eye watering over his passing).
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy who got to work with him for a bit, so I can’t even imagine the pain and loss of his family and friends, but I knew him well enough to know this much is true for anyone who ever entered his orbit:
the loss of Howard is terribly great, but the gift of Howard is infinitely greater.
My sincere condolences to the Veltman family. Howard is a close friend and business partner of mine for over 22 years. I valued our relationship and I will miss him deeply. I know you lost a great husband, father, and grandfather and will be hard to replace. We have our memories of Howard that will last a life time and will value forever. I feel fortunate to have had my time with him.
Craig Lampright – Stillwater, MN
Howard you will be missed enjoyed working with you these 21 years. You were always professional the perfect businessman. May God bless you forever.
Such a heartbreaking loss! So grateful for his life! Such a great example in the way he spent his days. My deepest sympathies to Brenda, his family and all who knew, loved, and will miss him. Praying the God of all Comfort, whom Howard now knows face to face, will comfort and sustain you all.
I met Howard in high school. He showed such kindness to me as the new kid on the block. It sounds as if he lived his life as I expected, with purpose…love of God, family and friends. So sorry for your loss.