Donald W. Houck

Donald W. Houck, 93, of Dixon, died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Saint Anthony Medical Center of Rockford.

He was born on June 11, 1932, in Woosung, Illinois, the son of John and Sadie (Farster) Houck. He married Carole Johnson on March 13, 1959 at Rock Falls Lutheran Church. She preceded him in death on June 10, 2014. 

Don grew up with his 12 siblings and parents in Woosung, where he first learned the importance and love of family and taking care of each other. He lived that lesson for 93+ years. He went on to serve 4 years in the U.S. Navy and then enjoyed a long career at Commonwealth Edison. Along the way he enjoyed motorcycle adventures and bowling and shenanigans and lots of laughs with his family and friends. He was a master handyman with a lifelong curiosity and no fear of trying new things or figuring out how to make things work until the very end. With his sharp wit and great sense of humor, he loved to share and remember and make new stories with family and friends. He loved his wife and family and friends and the Chicago Cubs. His challenges and pain only made him more empathetic, resilient, appreciative, and helpful. For all of that, we thank him. In his own words: “The best legacy of me would be: He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren, his mom and dad and all 12 siblings and nieces and nephews.” 

He is survived by one daughter, Tracy Houck of Oak Park; one son, Thomas (Teri) Houck of Oregon; one sister, Cheryl (Vern) Shetler of Polo; one brother, Dennis Houck of Polo; two grandchildren, Hailey (Matt) Coffey of Dixon, Hillary (Jeremy) Van Buren of Oregon; one great grandchild, Crew Coffey. 

He is preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Trina Houck; his siblings, Wilmer “Bill”, Mary, Darlene, Dorothy, Bob, Walt, Ber, Phyllis, Janet, and Pat. 

A celebration of his long and storied life will be held at a future date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel Hill Funeral Home of Dixon. Cremation rites have been accorded. 

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