Jeffery “Jeff” Neal Howell, 79, of Traverse City passed away peacefully at his home in the morning of February 15, 2024.

Jeffery was born on October 22, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA to the late William Lee and Lois Marcelle (Duncan) Howell. In his final years Jeff battled Parkinson’s disease, which made mobility challenging. Nevertheless, Jeff still enjoyed reading and watching all things scientific, historical, political and from the world of finance. He always loved conversing with people and his wisdom was extensive. From early childhood, Jeff demonstrated extraordinary curiosity and thirst for knowledge. He applied his learning in his boyhood garage workshop, and he acquired more knowledge and experience through his participation in the Boy Scouts “Tribe of Tahquitz” and “Sea Scouts”. The depth and breadth of his knowledge was truly awe-inspiring. However, it paled in comparison to his sense of humor, clever wit, and fun with jokes, which was renowned among family, friends, colleagues, and clients. Jeff’s leisure time was spent with his family, engaging in activities such as fishing, particularly fly fishing, sailing, and traveling. He had a passion for horses and horseback riding, having been a member of the Leelanau Mounted Police with his horse “Bahs” for several years. Aviation was another interest, and he enjoyed flying his Piper Cherokee airplane. Despite his occasional complaints about the dogs in his life, they were his constant companions throughout his time on earth. He often extolled his appreciation of the comfort they brought to him.

Jeff graduated from Lakewood High School in 1962 before pursuing Chemistry at Long Beach City College, CA and later transferring to Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA. Jeff served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. He took an overseas discharge in Germany and continued his studies at the University of Cologne, where he received a master’s degree in Biochemistry. Jeff further pursued his academic endeavors at the Institute for Genetics at the “Medizinische Hochschule” in Hannover, Germany, earning his PhD in 1980 for his research of Lactose intolerance in adults. Upon returning to the United States, he began teaching at Michigan State University and conducted melanoma cell research. In 1985, Jeff transitioned to the financial sector, finding fulfillment in research as a Financial Advisor. Although his contributions to the world of research and finance were important to him, nothing compared to the deep love he had for his family.

Jeff is survived by his wife Mechthild “Mecky” Howell; son Charlie Howell; son Tim (Ayse) Howell; daughter Betsy (Cody) Scheuerman; granddaughter Emma Howell-Leman; sister Jane ( Jorge) Canseco and Charlie and Tim’s mom, Gisela Howell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 am with a visitation beginning one hour prior at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home where the family will share music, memories, and fellowship. Lunch will be served after the memorial Service.

For those unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at www.rjfh.tv.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jeff’s honor may be directed to the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe at https:// ihmsisters.org/supporting-the-mission/ giving-opportunities/donate/ (610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162) or to American Parkinson Disease Association at [email protected] Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family.