Obituary: Dennis Franklin Houk, 79, of Pentwater

On the evening of May 9, Dennis Houk, 79, of Pentwater, escaped from the bonds of Parkinson’s disease and joined his parents in heaven.  Born in Ludington on November 10, 1944, to Elsa Mae (Wrege) Houk and Charles Franklin Houk, he waited six months for his father to return from serving in England with the U.S. Army Air Corps.  He was then raised on the family fruit farm and graduated from Ludington High School in 1963.  After attending Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin Madison he returned to Ludington in 1975 and taught algebra and physics at West Shore Community College for 35 years.  He also co-owned Houk and Soles, a computer software company specializing in food service management software.  He was a life-long member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Riverton Township.

Dennis was married to Nancy (Foster) Houk for 52 years.  She survives along with their daughters, Laurel (Tom) Taylor, Erin (Peter) Vande Kappelle, Stephanie (Willie) Reed, Alison (Jim) Herrick; 14 grandchildren; his special Brazilian son Bruno Laranjeira and Bruno’s two children.  Also surviving are his brother George (Marsha) Houk, Nancy’s four siblings and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family is most grateful to NaNaZWorld Home Helpers for their assistance while Dennis was at home, Lake Michigan Senior Living and Elara Caring Hospice for their exceptional care during the past four months.

A memorial service is planned for Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. Paul United Methodist Church.  The family will greet visitors starting at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the West Shore Community College Foundation – 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville, MI  49454, Attn: Tasha Dault,  noting in the check’s memo line that the donation is in honor of Dennis Houk;  St. Paul United Methodist Church – 3212 W. Kinney Rd., Ludington, MI 49431; or a charity of your choice.

Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington is in charge of arrangements, www.OakGroveLudington.com.