OBITUARY FOR HOWARD ANDREW MATUREN, JR.

Howard Andrew Maturen Jr, age 91, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2022, at Lakeview Manor in Tawas City, Michigan.  He was born on February 6, 1931 in Saginaw, Michigan to Howard A. Maturen, Sr and Lottie A. (Ensminger) Maturen.  He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, where he lettered in three sports: football, basketball and track.

He was married on August 15th, 1953 to the love of his life, Joanne Louise Johnson at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Saginaw, Michigan. 

Mr. Maturen graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a Bachelor degree in History, where he also earned his teaching certificate. He played football and basketball at Michigan. 

Mr. Maturen served in the United States Army, 23rd Infantry, from 1954 to 1956.  He was discharged with the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  Mr. Maturen was a member of the American Legion Post #439.

After his discharge from the Army, Mr. Maturen attended Wayne State University School of Law in Detroit.  He graduated in 1957 and passed his Bar exam.  He was admitted to the Bar that same year.  He was a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Saginaw County Bar Association, where he served as President.

Mr. Maturen served as Assistant Prosecuting attorney for Saginaw County from 1959 to 1961, and then entered into private practice until his retirement in 2018.  He practiced law for a total of 61 years.

Mr. Maturen and his wife Joanne adopted two children, Michael Andrew Maturen (1964) and Julie Ann Maturen (1966).  He loved his family very much, and was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren.  He took time to coach, mentor, and guide them.  He never missed an important event or game, and could be counted on in good times and in bad.

Mr. Maturen was an avid fan of all things University of Michigan.  He and Joanne were long-time season ticket holders for Michigan Wolverines football, and even traveled to watch away games.  He often took his mother, children and grandchildren with him.  He also occasionally scouted prospective players for the Wolverines.

Mr. Maturen continued playing sports throughout his life.  He played basketball until he was 86, and slow pitch softball until his early 80’s.  He enjoyed playing cards with friends, and was a member of several card clubs throughout his life.  He was a little league coach and a Scoutmaster for Troop 339 in Saginaw.

Mr. Maturen is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joanne, and their two children Michael (Susan) Maturen and Julie (Rick Tertel) Maturen; his four grandchildren, Joshua (Brooke) Maturen, Jeremiah (Amber Roberson) Maturen, Rebekah (Andrew Beardsley) Maturen and Greyson Tertel; his four great-grandchildren, Emma, Wyatt, Charlotte and Miles.  He is also survived by his sister, Nola (Michael) Doak, brother-in-law James Kelly, sisters-in-law Marylou Krueger and Margaret (Russell) Morgan and many nephews and nieces.

Mr. Maturen was pre-deceased by his parents, mother-in law and father-in-law Lewis (Cecilia) Johnson, his sister-in-law Dorothy and her husband Arold Schafer, brother-in-law William and his wife Linda Johnson, sister-in-law Barbara Kelly and brother-in-law James Krueger.

Per his wishes, Mr. Maturen has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  If you would like to honor Howard, please consider making a gift to the Saginaw County Commission on Aging, 3255 Schust Rd, Saginaw, MI  48603 for their Meals on Wheels program.