Howard C. Builta, 65, Palatine, formerly of the Ellsworth area, passed away Sunday (June 1, 2008) after a brief illness.

He will be buried in Dawson Cemetery, Ellsworth, amidst the farmland he so loved. A celebration of his life will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067.

Arrangements are by Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, Palatine.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Claudia Mastalio Builta; his loving children, Jeffrey (Claudia Cristancho), Bozeman, Mont., and Lindsey Builta (John) Eichholz, Harvard; cherished grandchildren, Makenzee and John Eichholz III; his devoted parents, Howard P. and Alice Stimpert Builta, Minonk; a brother, Steven, Malta, Ill.; a sister, Rev. Cynthia Taylor, Minonk; parents-in-law, Gordon and Marion Mastalio; sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Stephen) Foerster and Carla (Timothy) O'Connor; nieces, Kelly (Patrick) Sanders, Sarah and Stephanie Foerster; and a nephew, Andrew Builta.

Howard loved God, family, country, chocolate, flowers, animals, disco and anything related to farming. Sharing fine food and a joke with good friends was appreciated. Those who have worked with him knew him to be organized, impatient, a believer in plans and lists and one who relished a challenge. Parades, travel and fairs were favorite pastimes. His advice was sought often and valued. A sometimes gruff exterior belied a soft and caring heart which was expressed in service to others and help to the disadvantaged. He loved the University of Illinois! He treasured his children and often said his grandchildren were his greatest joy in life.

Howard was born April 29, 1943, in Lawton, Okla., and raised in Minonk. He graduated from the University of Illinois and received a MBA degree from Northern Illinois University. He served in the U.S. Army as an officer during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service with the Fourth Infantry Division. He married Claudia in 1966, in Toluca.

His 40-year career was in the development and management of commercial real estate. He was active in many associations and past-president of the following: The Chicago Board of Realtors (now known as the Chicago Association of Realtors); The Building Owners and Managers Association of Suburban Chicago; The Realtor 40 Club; and The Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International. He was also active in various capacities with Habitat for Humanity; PADS; All Saints Lutheran Church in Palatine; The Chicago Farmers Club; The Northlight Theatre Company; The Urban Land Institute; and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois.