Reta Houtakker

Reta Houtakker

August 17, 1938 - May 17, 2025

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Obituary

Reta M. Houtakker, 86, of Belmont, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Saturday, May 17, 2025.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday May 28, 2025 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Elk Grove Township.  Father Chris Gernetzke will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, WI, where there will be a rosary at 3:30 PM.  Online condolence can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Reta was born on August 17, 1938 to Everett and Marie (Bockhop) Ruskell at her Grandpa and Grandma Bockhop's farm east of Belmont.  She attended Bethel Grove Country School through 8th grade and graduated from Belmont High School in 1956.  Reta was united in marriage to Lloyd Houtakker on September 12, 1956 at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Elk Grove, where she remained a member.  Lloyd preceded her in death on May 8, 2016.   Lloyd and Reta operated a dairy and beef farm until their retirement.  Reta's greatest love was her family and enjoyed hearing about all of their activities.  She and Lloyd enjoyed many activities together, such as going to dances with friends, playing in card clubs and attending Belmont sporting events.  One of her past times was watching sporting events on TV, it could be almost any sport, Mom would watch it!  Especially the Packers, White Sox and numerous Wisconsin teams.  Listening to Danny O'Donnell was also a favorite.  When Lloyd passed away, Reta moved to the village of Belmont.  She enjoyed going for coffee and meals with friends.

Reta is survived by her two daughters Cheryl (Ron) Kowalski and Denise (Mike) McDonald and one son, Steve; seven grandchildren, Andy Kowalski, Robyn (Josh “Tug”) Hartwig, Jody (Johnie) Ambrosy, Holly (Josh) Hebgen, Pam (Rick) Johnstone, Scott (Ashley) McDonald and Jeff (Alaina) McDonald; eleven great-grandchildren, Payton and Owen Hartwig, Finley and Eli Ambrosy, Harper and Hudson Hebgen, Phillip, Violet and Walter Johnstone and Aspen and Rowan McDonald; sister-in-law Joyce (Jim) Kliebenstein of Ames, IA and brother-in-law Mark Lowry of Madison.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; parents, Everett and Marie; in-laws Vincent and Dolores (Folmer) Houtakker; sisters-in-law, Lois (Ed) Heiring, Elaine (Jack) May, Jeanette Bockhop and Elizbeth Lowry.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Matt Melby and Staff at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Southwest Health Center and Clinics, Michelle Hauser, Edenbrook of Platteville and St. Croix Hospice.

 

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Reta
TK
terry klein
Other •
As our next door neighbors growing up, got permission to hunt rabbits in their timber. Helped Lloyd with farm chores. Would bump into her at Walmart or at the Country Kitchen during my annual Wisc. visits. She was always smiling and great to visit. Would visit with Denise at the bank drive through with Mom (also just like her Mother). She had been in the neighborhood monthly card group with Mom for the 40+ years that they met. Just someone I always asked about. A jewell to all those that had known her family. RIP dear friend.
BK
Bob and Marie Kliebenstein
Other •
To the family of Reta Houtakker, Want to offer our condolences after hearing about Reta. Such a kind woman and gentle soul. She will be missed by so many but also welcome by so many. That is certain knowing her devout faith. Big families and lots of friends help ease the hurt of losing someone so close. Keeping everyone in our thoughts. Bob and Marie
BK
Bruce and Laura Klein
Other •
Our condolences to family and friends. Reta was special with a beautiful heart, soul and smile. She and Lloyd were great neighbors and friends for countless years. The Klein children grew up with their children, helped milk cows, grind feed, and hunt on the farm. One of my favorite places to hunt rabbits, pick berries, and even double date while snowmobiling. Reta always welcoming. She will be missed but always remembered. I know she is still watching over us, and now in good hands. Bruce and Laura Klein
KL
Ken & Sue Ludlum
Other •
We have enjoyed having Reta as our neighbor. She will truly be missed.
MB
Micah & Lori Bahr
Other •
So sorry Denise and Steve for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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