All Obituaries

Curt VanHouten, age 84 of McBain went home to be with his Lord on Monday, January 8, 2024.

He was born to Perry and Tressa (Westmaas) VanHouten in Highland Township on June 23, 1939. Curt married Shirley Jean DeVries on June 16, 1961.

Curt was the owner/operator of the McBain Thriftway for many years doing his own butchering in the meat department, he carried that skill on with him as an employee of both L&J Meat Market and Ebels General Store. He lovingly served his community in many areas, some of which include Missaukee EMS, Spiritual Care at Munson Hospital Cadillac, Hymn Time, Jail Ministry, NMC School Board, Kids Hope Mentor, and as a member of the Amen Chorus. (Curt loved music).

Curt was a lifelong member of the Lucas Christian Reformed Church where he loved serving in many ways. In retirement Curt and Shirley enjoyed traveling with friends, and many outdoor activities, including evening trips around town on their golf cart.

Curt is survived by his wife Shirley VanHouten, daughters; Jodi (Ken) Meyering, Jill (Brad) Hemmes, Joy (Jeff) Powers, Jacki (Scott) Seelye, and Jacie (Jack) VandePol, grandchildren; Dana (Alan) Baas, Kyle (Abby) Meyering, Kaylie (Ryan) Hiller, Chelsea (Travis) Carter, Cooper Hemmes, Cory (Makayla) Powers, Adam Powers, Jon (Deborah) Ouwinga, Chris (Amanda) Ouwinga, Emmalie (David) Weurding, Nick Ouwinga (Fiancée Rose Clark), Megan (Seth) DeZeeuw, Mariah (Trevor) Dick, great-grandchildren; Isaac, Henry, and Franklin Baas, Karsyn and Kendyn Meyering, Aubrey, Grady, Indy, and Halle Hiller, Scott and Stevie Powers, Gavyn, Parker and Akayla Ouwinga, Mabel and Della DeZeeuw, and Crew Dick, siblings; Gary (Shari Spoelman) VanHouten, Kathy VanHouten, Dale VanHouten, Dick (Marge) VanHouten, and Vickie VanHouten, in-laws; Rich (Sharon) DeVries, and Diane (Brian) Karsten, as well as many nieces, a nephew and many cousins.

Curt is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Casey and Anne DeVries, and beloved grandson Tyler Hemmes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Lucas CRC with Rev. Todd Kuperus officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3-8PM also at the Lucas CRC and hour prior to the service on Friday. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place in the Richland Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lucas CRC Missionary Fund. The family has entrusted the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain to handle arrangements. Thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfunerals.com