Obituary of Ralph Houck

Ralph E. Houck Age 84. Passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Born in Lawrenceville, IL, he had resided in Joliet and Lockport for over 50 years, and wintered in Sarasota, FL. Retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Joliet Project Office as Project Engineer, after 31 1/2 years of service. He was in charge of all operations and maintenance of seven lock and dam Corps of Engineers installations located from outside of Chicago to Starved Rock. Member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Crest Hill and St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sarasota, FL; and previously was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He proudly served in the Illinois National Guard and as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded two Bronze Stars and Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He served as President of the condo association of Larkins Pointe in Joliet, Village in the Pines North in Sarasota, FL and Denver, CO. Member of the American Legion Post #1080. He served as Assistant Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop #26 of St. Raymond's Church. Survived by his beloved wife, Genevieve (Klimek-Hertko) Houck; three daughters, Elaine Calvin, Christine (Edward "Mickey") Skedel and Lisa (Toby) Hart; four sons, Bruce (Lisa), Jason (Geraldine), Mark (Patti), and Andrew (Glinda) Houck of New York; grandchildren, Mason (Linda) Skedel, Michael (Vicki) Skedel, Marc Skedel, Amanda Skedel, Jason Jr. (Heather) Houck, Jennifer Edwards, Christopher Houck, Elizabeth Houck, Jacqueline Houck, Stephanie (Michael) Burke, Shannon Arnold, Savannah Houck, Christian Houck, Sable and Miles Houck; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Violet Montgomery of Indianapolis, IN; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. Preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Barbara (nee Slawson) Houck; daughter, Catherine Withers; parents, Ernest and Cleo Florence (nee Spangler); sister, Leona Rosemary West; stepfather, William Gene Johnston; and half-brother, Billy Gene Johnston. The family will receive all friends and relatives on Monday, July 22, 2013 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1711 Burry Circle Drive, Crest Hill from 9:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. In accordance with Ralph's wishes, Cremation Rites have been accorded. Inurnment with military honors will take place at Mt. Vernon Memorial Estates in Lemont. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Ambrose Church Building Fund would be appreciated. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com