Obituaries
1
tree
planted in memory of Mary Lou Houzenga
Obituary for Mary Lou Houzenga
Mary Lou Houzenga, 87, died on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at her home in Thomson, IL.
Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, August 6, 2021 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton. A memorial has been established to Thomson EMS and Fire Department.
Mary Lou was born May 18, 1934 in Wacker, IL to Ernest E. and Eliza J. (Harding) LaShelle. In her elementary years, she moved often and attended various schools during that time. She was a 1952 graduate of York Community High School in Thomson. She married Leland J. Houzenga on April 11, 1952 at Leland’s parent’s farm in Fulton. He died on April 22, 1989. Mary Lou worked as a waitress at the Ketchum’s Café and at the Royal Blue Grocery Store in Thomson. After marrying, Leland, Mary Lou spent time raising her family. She later worked at AC Nielsen in the 1980’s. Mary Lou was a member of Spring Valley Reformed Church and was a former member of Trinity Reformed Church. She was involved in Women’s Club, Ladies Aide, Home Extension, and the Thomson Depot Museum. She was a fifty year member of TOPS IL #821. She loved reading, looking at cook books, bird watching and watching PBS shows. Mary Lou loved cooking and cherished the time she spent with her family.
Survivors include two daughters, Julie (Gordon) Wadle of Thomson and Connie (Kevin) Nicolaysen of Fulton; five sons, Russell (Sandy Jilderda) Houzenga of Argo Fay, IL, Bruce (Jenny) Houzenga of Morrison, IL, Art (Teri) Houzenga of Fulton, David (Rita) Houzenga of Clinton, IA, and Douglas Houzenga of Thomson; nineteen grandchildren, Elisha, Michelle, Mariah, Travis, Nyssa, Kaler, Anthony, Richard, Kristen, Brian, Nicholas, Meghan, Heather, Brent, Leland, Shane, David, Tiffany and Haley; seventeen great grandchildren and two great grandchildren on the way; four great great grandchildren; one brother, Frank (Joyce) LaShelle of Thomson; two sister in laws, Lori LaShelle of Thomson and Deana LaShelle of Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leland; one daughter, Peggy Jean Houzenga; three brothers, Donald LaShelle, Everett LaShelle and Gerald LaShelle; one brother in law, Alvin Housenga; sister in law, Leota Laughlin.
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Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Mr. Ken Renkes officiating. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, August 6, 2021 at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton. A memorial has been established to Thomson EMS and Fire Department.
Mary Lou was born May 18, 1934 in Wacker, IL to Ernest E. and Eliza J. (Harding) LaShelle. In her elementary years, she moved often and attended various schools during that time. She was a 1952 graduate of York Community High School in Thomson. She married Leland J. Houzenga on April 11, 1952 at Leland’s parent’s farm in Fulton. He died on April 22, 1989. Mary Lou worked as a waitress at the Ketchum’s Café and at the Royal Blue Grocery Store in Thomson. After marrying, Leland, Mary Lou spent time raising her family. She later worked at AC Nielsen in the 1980’s. Mary Lou was a member of Spring Valley Reformed Church and was a former member of Trinity Reformed Church. She was involved in Women’s Club, Ladies Aide, Home Extension, and the Thomson Depot Museum. She was a fifty year member of TOPS IL #821. She loved reading, looking at cook books, bird watching and watching PBS shows. Mary Lou loved cooking and cherished the time she spent with her family.
Survivors include two daughters, Julie (Gordon) Wadle of Thomson and Connie (Kevin) Nicolaysen of Fulton; five sons, Russell (Sandy Jilderda) Houzenga of Argo Fay, IL, Bruce (Jenny) Houzenga of Morrison, IL, Art (Teri) Houzenga of Fulton, David (Rita) Houzenga of Clinton, IA, and Douglas Houzenga of Thomson; nineteen grandchildren, Elisha, Michelle, Mariah, Travis, Nyssa, Kaler, Anthony, Richard, Kristen, Brian, Nicholas, Meghan, Heather, Brent, Leland, Shane, David, Tiffany and Haley; seventeen great grandchildren and two great grandchildren on the way; four great great grandchildren; one brother, Frank (Joyce) LaShelle of Thomson; two sister in laws, Lori LaShelle of Thomson and Deana LaShelle of Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leland; one daughter, Peggy Jean Houzenga; three brothers, Donald LaShelle, Everett LaShelle and Gerald LaShelle; one brother in law, Alvin Housenga; sister in law, Leota Laughlin.
To plant a tree in memory of Mary Lou Houzenga, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
6
Aug
5:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Bosma-Renkes - Fulton Chapel
1500 10th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Service
Saturday
7
Aug
10:00 AM
Bosma-Renkes - Fulton Chapel
1500 10th Avenue
Fulton, IL 61252
Cemetery Details
Location
Fulton Township Cemetery
701 Fowler Rd,
Fulton, IL 61252
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