Phillip "Phil" Ralph Howland, 83, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Brickyard Healthcare Fountainview Care Center in Mishawaka.

Phillip Ralph Howland, 83, a quiet man of kindness and grit, passed away on February 10, 2026, at Brickyard Healthcare Fountainview Care Center in Mishawaka.

Born to Ralph and Mary (Hunt) Howland in Elkhart, Ind., Phil was known as a man of many chapters, a pioneer in his field, and a stoic survivor who defied the odds time and time again.

As a young man, Phil spent time hitchhiking across the United States with his cousin, a legendary journey of the open road that remained a notable part of his personal lore. He also served in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and worked as an X-ray technician.

Phil was a man of surprising balance and rhythm. Whether he was on the water as an expert water skier or on the dance floor as a proficient ballroom dancer. He and his partner, and later wife, Susan Bella, were armature competitive dancers in the Elkhart region. As Susan notes: “He had the unique ability to focus on the technique. We devised our own steps, and he meticulously put them to work. I did the timing and styling; he did the rest. Phillip was an engineered dancer. Absolutely beautiful. He was always so proud of that.”

His discipline and a keen eye for form reflected a quiet precision that stayed with him throughout his life and into his decades-long career. A sense of meticulousness led Phil’s professional path toward home building and construction. Long before “green building” became a trend, he was an early pioneer of conservation, co-founding Environmental Builders Inc. and then Howland Homes Inc. to champion sustainable practices and energy conservation. He also can be credited for spearheading many of the first recycling initiatives in the Elkhart area. Phil’s craftsmanship and respect for history were most evident in his work restoring and building homes (sometimes squirrel infested) along the Elkhart River and others in the region. He diligently applied his craftsmanship and vision to ensure that what he built would survive, sustainably.

A life of physical labor eventually caught up with Phil. Over the last several years, his mobility became increasingly restricted, but his spirit did not. He navigated the complexities of a brain tumor, both types of diabetes, and (as family would tell) he “beat COVID fifty million times over.” He faced each of his many health battles with good humor and sarcastic fortitude – obviously fueled by love from his family and friends.

Phil is remembered dearly by his children and grandchildren, whom he cherished; Beth “Rana” Kruger, her husband, Dan and her daughter, Hunter Newitt. Teresa “Tessie”; Pollock and her daughters, Addison and Jordan. Todd Howland and his wife, Sarah, and their children Elizabeth “Lizzy” and Frank, as well as their beloved Olivia.

He’s survived by all mentioned above and a community of friends and loved ones whom respected his quiet strength.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Mary Howland; his sister, Barbara Britton; and his son, David B. Howland.

A Memorial Service with military honors will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating.

Friends may visit with the family 2 hours prior to the start of the service from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the funeral home.

In Phil’s honor, the family suggests honoring his memory by making a contribution to Habitat for Humanity.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.