Howard Gerst, age 87 of Constantine, passed away peacefully, July 10th, 2008 at his home. He was born in Cleveland, OH on August 25, 1920, to Albert D. and Ada (Hazeldine) Gerst. He had three siblings, Arthur, Elmer and Helen (all deceased). Howard graduated from Parma High School, Parma, Ohio in 1938 and attended Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. Howard worked for Republic Steel during his early career and eventually moved to Belleville, MI where he operated greenhouses and truck farming with his brother-in-law Robert H. Grimm for over 35 years. Howard married Virginia F. Grimm October 10, 1942 and had 4 children, twins Linda L. (Donald) Batkins of Nashua, NH, Margaret F. Treece of Waynesboro, VA, David H. (Joyce) Gerst of Belleville, MI and Nora N. (Neil) Allen of Fort Wayne, IN. Grandchildren Timothy (fiancé Shelly Stoddard) Treece, Vernon Treece, Michael Treece, Matthew (Christy) Treece, Jennifer (Matt Wilgo) Batkins, Kalah Allen, and Scott Gerst, great grandchildren Abigail, Jack and Taylor Treece and Cyan Kaster. Howard's wife Virginia died in September 1986. Howard married Ann (Dundek) Holloway October 19, 1992 and had 2 stepdaughters, Patricia Connor of Jacksonville, Fl and Sandra (Randy) Bounds of Decatur, TX, 2 step-grandchildren Jeffrey Connor (deceased) and Robert Bounds. Howard was a member of Michigan Farm Bureau for over 35 years, had many wonderful friendships, loved the land, experienced numerous great adventures and left a legacy of thoughtfulness, love and compassion. Relatives and friends will be received at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, Wednesday, July 16, from 1 to 3 pm where funeral services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday. Son-in-law Pastor Neil W. Allen officiating. Interment of Ashes will be at the Constantine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to The Heifer Project, Messiah Lutheran Church of Constantine or Three Rivers Health Hospice. On line condolences may be made at eleyfuneralhomes.com.