Calvin Lester Havekost

Our Shining Example of an Extraordinary Life left us April 04, 2023.
Calvin Lester Havekost, 98, one of the Greatest Generation, born 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 life long 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 and the Detroit Tigers had a love affair for his entire life.

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.

A celebration of life will take place in Monroe, Michigan in July. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 323 Scott St. Monroe, Michigan 48161, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 10333 S. Clare Ave. Clare Michigan 48617 or any Veterans Organization.

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