Michael Houston

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     Michael William Houston, the son of Donald 'Smiler' and Lavonne (Lovejoy) Houston, was born November 7, 1946, in Omaha, NE. He spent his childhood years in Dunlap, IA, where he attended school and graduated from high school. Mike attended Iowa State University before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served three years in Vietnam until receiving his honorable discharge. During his tours, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver star, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Expert Rifle and a Purple Heart. He returned to Iowa State University and completed a bachelor’s degree in Ag Science. Mike was united in marriage to Jan Nauroth. They resided in Madrid, Iowa, Dunlap, Iowa and later Greenfield, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Scott, Molly and Kate. They later divorced, and he was united in marriage to Beatrice Palmer in 1990. He gained three more daughters: Tia, Tiffany and Kara. Mike worked for the United States Post Office, on the farm and bought hogs and cattle for a time. He then worked as a meat inspector, eventually employed by USDA ASCS, later becoming FSA. He was employed by the government for more than 35 years until his retirement.  Mike and Bea lived in Cherokee, IA, where he worked as the County Executive Director at the Cherokee County FSA for many years until his retirement in 2003. Following retirement, they moved to Paullina, IA.

    Mike enjoyed the outdoors and anything related to the farm. He loved horses, especially Arabians, which he raised for many years. He was always excited to travel to see his family and spend time in Mexico. He was a lifelong member of the local VFW in Cherokee, holding various posts over the years, including Commander. He was also a member of the American Legion in Larrabee, IA, where he took on responsibilities, including treasurer.

    On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Michael passed away at Cherokee Specialty Care at the age of 77. 

   Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lavonne Houston; one sibling during infancy; one niece, Kelly McDonald; and one brother-in-law, Gordon Guynn. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife Beatrice of Paullina; children: Scott (Sheryl) Houston of Tempe, Arizona, Molly Houston (Josh Peper) of Tempe, Katherine Houston of Des Moines, Iowa, Tia Glenney of Wilton, Iowa, Tiffany (Philip) Hunt of East Long Meadow, Massachusetts and Kara Glenney of Cherokee, Iowa; grandchildren, Caroline Houston, Meredith Houston, Birdie Peper, Nori Peper, Frankie Hassman, Sawyer Glenney, PJ Hunt and Hayden Hunt; three sisters, Susan (Tom) Rolli of Raymore, Missouri, Rosemary (Gordon “G”) Guynn of Mesa, Arizona and Patty (Ed) Gaski of Estero, Florida; nieces, Kathy Lingerfelt and Suzanne Skurchak; nephews, Greg and Brian Gaski; and many other great nieces, great nephews, relatives and friends.