Howard R. Latva
ESCANABA — Howard R. Latva, 94, of Escanaba, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at his home in Escanaba. He was born July 17, 1930 in Rudyard, MI and was the 8th child of nine born to Henry and Mary (Hill) Latva. Howie graduated from Rudyard High School in 1948 and then served in the U.S. Air Force from November 25, 1949 serving with the 23rd. Fighter Bomber Squadron, until he was honorably discharged on August 27, 1950. He was employed with Western Electric, a division of AT&T, as an installer for 40 years until he retired in 1990.
Howie married the former Joanne (Jaeger) Petersen on April 11, 1981. They spent 31 magnificent years together traveling extensively throughout the United States, spending most of their winters in Arizona and Florida. Howie enjoyed playing golf and socializing at the Escanaba Country Club where he was a member of the “Hole in One Club”. He was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354 and the Escanaba American Legion. Howard is survived by son, Michael (Geri) Petersen of Powers, Mich.; daughter, Rose Michelle “Shelly” (Clarence) Fazer of Powers, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Holli (Bucky) Lange, Matt (Courtney) Petersen, Nikki (Alex) Koch, Kristy Fazer and Bryant (Erin) Fazer; nine great-grandchildren, Jordan (Devon) Holvick, Connor Lange, Sophia Lange, Ally Koch, Grant Petersen, Callie Rose Fazer, Madden Koch; Lillian Fazer and Julliana Fazer and several nieces and nephews. Also survived by Verna Jaeger, John and Max Jaeger.
In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by five sisters Lila Massey, Elma Massey, Elsie Bramam, Bertha Latva and Anita Latva; three brothers Eino, Edward and Ted Latva; and brother-in-law Ronald Jaeger.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. EST to noon Monday, March 17 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 12:00 noon Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel by the Delta County Veterans Council being assisted by the U.S. Air Force. Funeral services celebrating the life of Howard Latva will be held at 12:15 p.m. Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral service in the Ludington Room located in the Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Latva family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.