Dennis William Houghtaling

Dennis William Houghtaling, 69, passed away December 20, 2014. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines on Friday, December 26, 2014 with visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. and the service at 11. A private family burial will follow at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

Dennis was born on January 22, 1945 in Des Moines, IA to Virginia Sandstrom and George Lundeen. His parents divorced when he was young and his mother married Edgar Houghtaling. A sister, Judi was born to this union. After Virginia passed away, Ed adopted Dennis, and married Ruth; and two sisters, Peggy and Shirley were added to the family. In addition, Ed’s son, Richard rounded out the large extended family.

Dennis attended St. Anthony’s school through 8th grade. He then attended Des Moines Lincoln and graduated in the spring of 1963. While in high school, Dennis participated in football and track. His skill at the high hurdles earned him long standing records at Lincoln, and a track scholarship to Drake University. Dennis decided that college was not his calling and joined the US Army. After graduating with honors from his basic training, Dennis was fortunate to be stationed in Germany. He had the wonderful opportunity to travel while stationed there.

Upon returning to Des Moines, Dennis married Janet Kitterman. They had two children, Scott and Melissa. Dennis was active in real estate and various sales positions during his adult years in the Des Moines area. Dennis and Janet divorced after many years of marriage.

Dennis remained a loving and involved Dad to both his children and subsequently to his granddaughters, Ashley and Hanna. To say that they were the apples of his eye would be a gross understatement! They shared many “grandpa adventures”. His pride in his family was evident when he would speak of them. They were his priority.

Dennis was a quiet man, with a bit of a sharp wit. He loved cars, races, sports, gardening, hunting, fishing, water sports and about anything that would get him outside. He was also a good cook.

In his retirement years Dennis enjoyed a prescription delivery job for Hy-Vee. Part of his satisfaction with his job, was helping some of his less fortunate customers get the things they needed, like a walker, or wheelchair, etc. He also enjoyed volunteering at Blank Park Zoo.

This past year left Dennis facing his biggest challenge. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and a debilitating pulmonary disease, which resulted in using oxygen full-time. Through it all he had nothing but a positive attitude. He continued to go to the gym, go dancing, watching Hanna at sports, and visiting his sisters in Texas and Minnesota.

There were other plans for Dennis. Plans that did not involve oxygen, pain or frustration. A plan for him to quickly and quietly leave this earth, his family and friends and go to his final rest. As we celebrate Dennis, his life and accomplishment, remember his zest for all he did and commitment to those he loved. Rest in Peace.

He is survived by his children, Scott (Anjanette) Houghtaling, and Melissa (Damon) Gray; grandchildren, Ashley and Hanna Gray; his sisters, Judi (Don) Kinder, Peggy (John) Denham, and Shirley Houghtaling; his brother, Richard (Diane) Verbiski; uncles, David Breese and Gary DeSomber; aunt, Nancy Sandstrom; and several other uncles, aunts, cousins and nieces. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, George Lundeen, Virginia Lundeen-Houghtaling, Edgar and Ruth Houghtaling; and his grandmother, Marie DeSomber.

Memorials may be directed to the family for contribution to the Blank Park Zoo. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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