Hans Agard

AGARD, MR

Hans Hewitt

Hans Hewitt Agard, 77, of Muskegon, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Born on January 6, 1948 to Russell Agard and Norma (Hewitt) Agard, Hans attended Reeths-Puffer Schools, graduating in 1966. He participated on the Reeths-Puffer high school football, tennis, and track teams and played the alto saxophone in the dance band. His books and papers were often covered in doodles and cartoons. All activities foreshadowing his interest in sports, love of music, and an artistic talent with a humorous twist.

In 1968, Hans volunteered for service in the United States Air Force. After graduating from the Defense Language Institute in Russian Language, he served overseas in the security service as a translator. He also spent several months being introduced to Vietnamese. He earned the rank of Sergeant in 1970 followed by an honorable discharge in 1971.

Hans married the former Kathy Ross on February 26, 1972 during a raging Michigan snowstorm. Together Hans and Kathy were blessed with two children, Corey and Kelly. As a young couple they moved to Holland, Michigan where Hans completed a B.S. Degree from Hope College in psychology. Later he earned a Master's Degree from Western Michigan University, and elementary level teaching certification.

Early in his career, Hans worked as a researcher for the University of Michigan in highway traffic accident reconstruction in Muskegon, and as a youth worker for the newly created Muskegon Community Mental Health agency. He helped out from time to time across the years at Agard's Lawn and Garden, first for his father and then for his brother. Hans often provided the funny sayings posted on Agard's outdoor sign.

Hans returned to Reeths-Puffer and spent the majority of his career as an elementary school teacher concentrating at the intermediate level in science. He loved "hands on science". Old storage canisters for film became bottle rockets with the addition of antacids and water. A "poof" and students became fledgling rocket scientists. Cooked cabbage extended classroom resources when turned in to home-made litmus paper. The simple machines unit was one of his favorites, particularly the home-made marshmallow "guns". During his teaching tenure, he produced many of the cartoon drawings used as classroom mascots on t-shirts and publications. He relentlessly concentrated on revising and updating his classroom lessons, spending his summers researching, rewriting lessons, and collecting materials.

After retirement, Hans served as the first energy management consultant at Reeths-Puffer implementing strategies designed to save money through energy conservation.

Hans enjoyed golf, taking up the hobby of making his own clubs in order to keep a full set after breaking a few each week. He excelled at bowling and enjoyed being on the Reeths-Puffer teachers' bowling team. He dabbled in photography, including building his own processing lab to finish black and white photos to his liking. He continued to cartoon and draw as a hobby. And owned a blue and silver Harley "fat boy" motorcycle with the "rumble, rumble" sound he loved. He successfully completed 2 triathlons and 1 biathlon - finishing all three in one piece. Later in life, he became an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hans is survived by his family. His wife of fifty-three years, Kathy. The son and daughter he loved ferociously, Corey (Stephanie) Agard and Kelly (Michael) Greeby. Grandchildren who made him so proud: Avery Agard, Gavin Greeby, Piper Greeby, Jaeger Larson, and Brynnlie (Robert) Blawat. His "big brother" Ken and niece Susan (Rodger) Richards. His brother-in-law, William Ross, niece Janis (Tim) Mitchelson, and nephews Brent (Kimberly) Ross and Bryan (Cassondra) Ross.

Those who preceded him in death include his parents: Russell and Norma Agard; sisters Janice Agard and Judith Ross; sister-in-law Kathleen Agard; and niece Michelle Agard.

Hans had a great and wry sense of humor. He was reserved, irreverent, smart, independent, creative, protective, funny, and intense. He will be deeply missed.

Celebrating Hans's Life

Hans's family looks forward to meeting and reminiscing with family and friends during an informal open house reception at Clock Funeral Home on Peck Street, Muskegon, Michigan between 2-4 p.m. on December 30, 2025. There will be a brief program to share memories at 3 p.m.

MEMORIAL

If desired, the family would suggest a contribution to a nonprofit animal welfare organization of your choice. Hans loved them all - dogs, cats, cows, squirrels, opossum, daddy longlegs, horses, fish, birds, turtles - all of them.