About This Memory Space
This page was created for Jack A. Houtman's family and friends as a place to remember them, to share stories, and to keep their memory close in everyday life.
It is cared for and added to over time by the people who knew them, and everyone is invited to contribute, whether that is a story, a photo, a few words, or a simple note.
Many families visit places like this not just once, but again and again, especially on quiet days or meaningful anniversaries. This page is here for those moments, wherever you are.
A place to return to when you want to feel close again, to remember a moment, or to leave a few words for others to read. Over time, it grows through the voices of everyone who knew and loved them.
Light a Candle Growing
Light a candle to honor Jack A. Houtman's memory. Each lighting keeps their memory burning bright for 23 hours.
Candle lit burns 23 hours. Come back and light it again after 23 hours to keep the memory burning.
Limited to 5 lightings per hour to prevent abuse.
Memory Wall Growing
Stories, photos, and memories shared by people who knew Jack A. Houtman. This is the heart of this space—a collection that grows as more people contribute.
No memories posted yet. Be the first to share a story or memory.
Life & Legacy
Jack A. Houtman lived a vibrant life marked by infectious warmth, engineering ingenuity, and unwavering faith, forging deep connections across generations and communities from his Michigan roots to his cherished Indiana home.
From his early days in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jack emerged as a natural connector, effortlessly befriending everyone he encountered with his outgoing spirit. A lifelong enthusiast of mechanics and innovation, he pursued engineering at the University of Michigan, then honorably served as a U.S. Army Captain. His adventures took him and his family through Michigan, North Carolina, and Indiana, where he cultivated enduring bonds in every place they settled. Guided by a steadfast Christian commitment, Jack led church initiatives, lifted voices in choirs, and gave generously through Habitat for Humanity and Boy Scouts. His passions—restoring Corvettes, tending roses, boating, fishing, and tackling hands-on projects—reflected a curious mind that thrived on creation and repair.
Jack's 33-year tenure at General Electric showcased his engineering prowess, while his U.S. Army service as a Captain underscored his dedication to duty. As a proud University of Michigan alumnus, he applied his technical skills to meaningful work, leaving a mark on industry and inspiring those around him with his problem-solving drive.
Photos of Life
Family & Loved Ones
Jack's world revolved around the enduring companionship he shared with Diane over 68 remarkable years, a partnership that anchored their journeys across states. Their three children—Sue Grassley (Dave) in Monroe, Michigan; Bruce Houtman (Diane) in Westfield, Indiana; and Alan Houtman (Holly) in Milford, Michigan—grew up amid his steady guidance and playful energy, now joined by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who carry forward his spirit. His brother Paul in Holland, Michigan, remained a vital link, while he fondly remembered his parents Harold and Henrietta, sister Carol Loher, and brother David.
Remembered by Friends & Family
Tributes from across Jack's wide circle echo his knack for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends, celebrating his cheerful faith, tireless volunteering, and the joy he sparked in everyday pursuits like car tinkering and family outings.
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