Howard B. Tilmann

Howard B. Tilmann, 81, of Beal City died Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 14, at St. Joseph Church in Beal City with Father John Cotter officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the VFW Hall in Weidman. Friends may call at Lux Funeral Home on Friday from 2-9 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Hospice of Central Michigan, St. Joseph Church, or the charity of choice. Envelopes are available at Lux Funeral Home. Howard was born Nov. 26, 1921, in Beal City the son of Anthony and Rose (Theisen) Tilmann. He married Dorothy Cornale on April 24, 1948, at St. Philomena Church in Beal City. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army from 1942-1943. From 1946-1949 he and his father were partners in the family business, Tilmann Hardware. He assumed ownership in 1949 and operated the store until his retirement in 1989, at which time it was sold to his son, Gary. He was a member of St. Joseph Church, the Knights of Columbus Council 3651, and a former director at Isabella Bank and Trust. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. Howard is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Beal City; daughter, Gail (Bill) Herdlein, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant; son, Gary Tilmann and his fiancee, Janet of Beal City; daughter in-law, Cindy Morris; grandchildren, Sara and Anthony Tilmann of Weatherford, TX; and his faithful dog, Mollie . He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Tom in 1996 and Bruce in 1997; brother, Raymond Tilmann; and sister, Eileen Elias.