Bill Houge

William “Bill” Houge Jr., passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Independence Village in Ankeny, Iowa. Bill was born October 18, 1929, in Charles City, Iowa to William O. Houge and Oreka Dent Gerwig Houge. Bill graduated as the Vice President of his Slater High School Class of 1948, where he learned to love and play sports, especially baseball. Immediately he began his long-time employment with John Deere earning his first 10 year pin in 1958, retiring in 1984 as Foreman. Bill served in the United States Army in the 194th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War as well as spending time in Germany and even played with the 18th Group Red Legs Baseball team, 1952. After retiring from John Deere, Bill continued enjoying working with Pennington Lawn Care and Ankeny Funeral Home. He was a member of the American Legion Albaugh-McGovern Post #42 and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Diana Piagentini Houge; children, Jeanne Uhl (Gary), Robin Karns (Don), Linda Robinson (Rickey), Brad Houge (Lisa), and Scott Houge (Janelle); 12 grandchildren: David Chumbley (Keri), Wendy Farrell (Justin), Matt Chumbley (Nicole); Jason Kratzer (Sara), Nick Kratzer (Allison McCarthy), Danny Kratzer, Andy Robinson (Stephanie), Tommy Robinson (Ashley Wolterstorff), Sammi Houge, Elise Gerkin (Holden), Ethan Houge, Jennifer Houge (Brooks Peterson Fiance'); and 19 great-grandchildren: Claire Chumbley, Abby Chumbley, Emery Chumbley, Kaitlyn Farrell, Kailee Farrell, Kelsie Farrell, Noah Chumbley, Anna Chumbley, Theo Kratzer, Lucy McCarthy, Jude McCarthy, Zachary Robinson, Henry Robinson, Maria Gerkin, Mikaela Gerkin, Madison Gerkin, Mason Gerkin, Miles Gerkin, and Morgan Gerkin. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Ankeny American Legion Albaugh-McGovern Post #42 or the Slater Area Historical Association.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 2 at the Ankeny Funeral Home with his funeral service, Thursday, June 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ankeny Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.ankenyfuneralhome.com to share your memories of Bill.