Constance Irene "Connie" Van Houten

She was born on July 19, 1943 to Maxine (d. 2000) and Vincent Kesegi (d. 1975) in Springfield, Illinois. She is survived by her loyal and beloved husband of 57 years, Norman “Red” Van Houten.

Also surviving are her 8 children and 14 grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Kimberly Clark of Springfield, Leigh Anne Van Houten of The Woodlands, Texas, Kandice Van Houten-Luce (Brian) of Springfield, Kevin Van Houten (Wendy) of Pleasant Plains, Lyndee Fein (Ari) of Springfield, Kammy Ferrigno (Lennie) of Chatham, Laurie Clayton (Skip) of Chatham, Kacy Van Houten (Bryan Loy) of Chatham; grandchildren, Joseph Melton, Riley Turasky, Hannah Van Houten, Aidan Fein, Bryce Tew, Nina Ferrigno, Dominick Ferrigno, Reagan Rapozo, Carly Clayton, Halle Clayton, Emily Van Houten, Leo Ferrigno, Grady Clayton, and Demi Loy; her loving siblings, Bill Kesegi (Pam), Mari Landgrebe, Cathy West (Freddie), Steve Kesegi (Val Bolinger), Janet Nuss (Roger); and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her older sister, Judy Johnson, preceded her in death in 2015.

Connie was a life-long resident of Springfield and member of Christ the King Parish. She graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1961 and went on to work for the State of Illinois for 40 years. She served as Executive Assistant to several Directors throughout her career while raising her family.

A great matriarch, she loved to cook, especially on Sundays when the family would gather, and on holidays. Connie loved to shop, always making friends with shop owners, finding good deals and giving gifts throughout the years. She remained stylish with her vast collection of shoes, jewelry and sunglasses. She loved to spend time with family and friends, always with a smile, a listening ear, and a caring heart. She spent hours in her favorite local restaurants “closing the place down” while talking and laughing with her friends and loved ones. Encouraging and heartfelt to the core, it made her feel good to make others feel good. Anyone ever in her presence fondly remembers receiving her compliments and honest opinion. Connie, Mom, Mama, “Gaga,” will be forever missed. She leaves her family with a beautiful legacy and memories to last a lifetime.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Illinois COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, requiring face coverings and limiting attendance to 50 guests at one time.

Private family burial will take place at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 525 West Monroe St., Suite 1510, Chicago, IL 60661.