Howard G. Ehle, 96, born January 11, 1921 in Obert, Nebraska died peacefully on October 5, 2017.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Ehle, parents Glen and Mabel Ehle, a brother, Caryol Ehle and sisters, Lois (Ehle) Heidy and Joyce (Ehle) Huseby.

Howard moved to Seattle in the late 1930’s, and soon after, he joined the US Marine Corp. During WWII he served six years on the USS Colorado. Fighting in several Campaigns in the South Seas. He was part of the “Magic Carpet” that brought the dead and wounded home from Pearl Harbor. Discharged from the Marine Corp in 1946, he rejoined his family in Auburn where he met, and married, Ruth (McDaniel) Ehle in August, 1948.

He is survived by three children; daughter Diane Ehle of Auburn, son Les & Julie Ehle of Buckley and daughter Ellen & Henry Cook of Auburn. Two beloved granddaughters Kasey Rutledge of Auburn, and Alexandra Ehle of Buckley. Also, his dog Bianca, and cat Sir Winston.

He graduated from Seattle Community College in Carpentry, Design and Architectural Drawing and started his own business, “Ehle Construction”. Howard was responsible for building several buildings at the UW as well as the (original) Holman Library at GRCC. He was employed by Sellen Construction, Headman Construction and Armstrong Homes. Howard retired in 1983 from the Auburn School District where he coordinated the building operations of the first Auburn Performing Arts Center (1978).

Never happier than when spending time with family and treasured friends enjoying a good joke, dogs, fellowship, camping, boating, salmon fishing, traveling, singing and playing his harmonica around the campfire.

Howard built his life around service; joining the church in 1947, he spent 60+ years serving on numerous committees, in leadership for youth, the choir and helping to improve and maintain the church buildings. He was a champion for anyone in his life that might have needed a pal, a bit of encouragement or a hand-up.

Celebrating a Life Well Lived! Please join us at the Auburn First United Methodist Church, Saturday, November 18, 2017 1:00pm. Memorial Fund is set in his name at Auburn First United Methodist Church 100 N St. SE Auburn, WA 98002.