In Memory of LaVern Van Houten

LaVern Van Houten, age 85, of Battle Creek, Iowa, died Friday, August 9, 2013, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa.
            Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 12, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes.  The Reverend Kevin J. Freese will officiate, with burial to follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Battle Creek.  Military honors will be conducted by Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion.  The family will greet friends from 4-6 p.m. at Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Battle Creek on Sunday, August 11, 2013.  
            Born May 18, 1928, in Battle Creek, Iowa, Corbet LaVern Van Houten was the son of Hunter Corbet and Florence (Devine) Van Houten, Jr.  He grew up and received his education in Battle Creek, graduating from Battle Creek High School in 1945.  LaVern served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
            On September 9, 1950, he was united in marriage to Lola Schumann at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.  The couple farmed and raised livestock west of Battle Creek for many years.  They were blessed with four sons, Mike, Marc, Kirk, and Kerwin.  Due to LaVern’s relentless battle against the weeds on his farm, his sons officially appointed him “weed commissioner” for Woodbury County.    
            LaVern and Lola retired in 1996, and moved into Battle Creek in 2012.  They made many happy memories over the years attending their children’s and grandchildren’s extra-curricular events, spending time with family, square dancing, ballroom dancing, and playing cards.  LaVern was a faithful member of his church, attending services regularly and serving in many capacities.
            Survivors include his wife, Lola; three sons, Mike (Judy) Van Houten of Geneva, IL, Marc (Cheryl) Van Houten of Battle Creek, and Kerwin (Kerry) Van Houten of Alta; ten grandchildren, Rachel (Mike) Harrison, Eric Van Houten, Lindsay Van Houten, Jason Van Houten, Kristopher Van Houten, Tate (Kathy) Van Houten, Hope (Tyler) Bleckwehl, Tyler (Sally) Van Houten, Morgan Van Houten, and Garrett Van Houten; and eight great-grandchildren, Evan, Zachary, Camryn, Calen, Grace, Paige, Vincent, and Eva.  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
            He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Kirk Van Houten; two brothers, Arlo Van Houten and Russell Van Houten; and a sister, Opal Tillotson.