Obituary of Calvin Lester Havekost

Our Shining Example of an Extraordinary Life left us on April 04, 2023.  Calvin Lester Havekost, 98, one of the Greatest Generation, born on May 19, 1924 in Monroe, Michigan, died peacefully at home in Oxnard, California, surrounded in body and spirit by loving family and friends.

For all his life, Calvin was a man of faith, loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He served his community, in Monroe, Michigan, in a variety of ways; school board chairman, Monroe County Planning Commissioner, and Frenchtown Township Treasurer to name a few.  Calvin was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteered in a variety of ways, always serving others.

An avid fan of baseball, Calvin played ball from a young age well into adulthood. On his 90th birthday, he wore his 1947 uniform and pitched to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had a love affair his entire life with the Detroit Tigers.

Calvin attended Havekost School and Trinity Lutheran School for his elementary education. A 1942 graduate of Monroe High School, he was most proud of his World War II service from 1943-1946. He always wore his WWII hat and was recognized and thanked by so many, wanting to hear his stories of his time in Europe. When asked his secret to a long life, without fail, his answer was “a positive attitude and his Heavenly Father”. He lived this to the end.

Calvin began his work life at Geiman’s Nash Sales and went on to learn the furniture business at Floral City Furniture. He became a partner with Herbert Sheets and Jim Banning in Monroe Upholsters and Gift Loft and enjoyed his many years as a salesman. Upon retirement in 1989, he and Betty moved to their vacation home on Littlefield Lake in Lake, Michigan. Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, he then started a landscape business and worked well into his 80’s.  Calvin loved gardening and riding his bike well into his 90’s at his beloved lake house in Michigan.  While spending winters in California, he made many dear friends at the Wilson Senior Center in Oxnard. We thank all his Bone Builder pals, and everyone he met at the Center for their love of Dad and the joy that being there gave him.

Dad, as he was known to many, was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Louise (Matthes) Havekost; first wife: Betty (Sheets) Havekost; and his second wife: Ladonna (Bunting) Havekost.  Calvin is survived by four children: Suzanne Chadwick (Ralph), Jeffrey (Marilyn), Mark (Penny), Anita Havekost; and brother Ken (Mary Ann) Havekost. He was dearly loved by 8 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren, step children; and several nieces and nephews.

Calvin dearly loved his family and friends and was an exceptional role model who loved sharing his views on life and was a joy to all who knew him.

Services celebrating his life will take place in Clare and in Monroe, Michigan. On Sunday; July 9, 2023 during the 10:00am worship service, Calvin will be celebrated at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church; 10333 South Clare Avenue, Clare, Michigan 48617.  Later that week on Friday; July 14, 2023 he will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161.   A Funeral Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Dennis Mann officiating.   Procession will then follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for inurnment.   Graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.   Local arrangements were made through Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161 or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10333 South Clare Avenue, Clare, Michigan 48617.   Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.