HOWARD JOHN BLACKWOOD

Howard John Blackwood, Elkhart, died Thursday, Dec. 28, 2012 at Elkhart General Hospital after an illness.

He was born to Howard Blackwood Sr. and Dorothy Kubiski Blackwood in Duluth, on March 21, 1936.

He graduated from Marquette University first in his class from Journalism School. He attended Marquette on a basketball Scholarship after being named to the ‘All-State’ HS team following his 1954 team at Duluth Cathedral HS going to the State Championship.

He married Elizabeth Agnew Blackwood in Duluth, on April 22, 1957. They have five children Chris (Julie) Blackwood, Margaret (David Bouwkamp), Tim (Jill) Blackwood, Joan (MIchael Howard) Blackwood, Ann (Chris Schelle). They have been blessed with 12 grandchildren the latest of which is Collin Schelle born Dec 21, 2012.

He is survived by three sisters Phyllis Blackwood, Mary Engel, Nancy Ptasnik; and three brothers David Blackwood, Michael Blackwood, Robert Blackwood. He has a large, adoring, extended family of many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in-law.

In 1963, Howard and Beth moved to Indiana to pursue his career in marketing. Howard spent the next 40 years at Juhl Advertising, where he eventually rose to become President and owner of the nationally recognized firm. While at Juhl he was a caring and influential part in the lives of his clients, co-workers, and employees. He was a great mentor; his passion for helping others was deep and honest.

After retirement he worked for Workforce Development creating an innovative program of outreach to industry leaders determining needs for training programs serving the unemployed and the underemployed. While his time in this not for profit world was rather brief, the impact of his work is still recognized today.

Howard and Beth were long-time fans of Notre Dame Football having been season ticket holders for well over 40 years; only missing a handful of games and passing his passion for The Fighting Irish on to his children and grandchildren.

GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday Jan. 3 in the Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. There will be a time for sharing memories from 5 to 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg MI at 11 a.m. Friday Jan 4. The family will receive friends one hour before the service.

Online condolences may be sent at www.hartzlergutermuthinman.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Our Lady of the Lake Food Pantry or the local food pantry of your choice.

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