In Memory of Lola M. Van Houten

Lola M. Van Houten, age 85, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Reverend Kevin J. Freese will officiate, with interment following in the Mt. Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Born on February 25, 1931, in Anthon, Iowa, Lola Mae Marie Van Houten was the daughter of Leo and Margie (Eichorn) Schumann. Lola grew up on a farm outside of Anthon, Iowa, and attended Anthon country school.

On September 9, 1950, she was united in marriage to Corbet LaVern Van Houten at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa. The couple farmed and raised livestock west of Battle Creek for many years. They were blessed with four sons, Mike, Marc, Kirk, and Kerwin.

Lola was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She adored her family and treasured spending time with them over the years. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren extra-curricular events, square dancing, ballroom dancing, playing cards, sewing, gardening and canning. Lola was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek and was active in Presbyterian Women.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Mike (Judy) Van Houten of Geneva, IL, Marc (Cheryl) Van Houten of Battle Creek, IA, and Kerwin (Fiancée Brigette Schreiber) Van Houten of Cherokee, IA; grandchildren: Rachel (Mike) Harrison, Eric (Christina) Van Houten, Lindsay Van Houten, Jason Van Houten, Kris Van Houten, Tate (Kathy) Van Houten, Hope (Tyler) Bleckwehl, Tyler (Sally) Van Houten, Morgan (RaShel) Van Houten, and Garrett (Brianna Gaes) Van Houten; great-grandchildren: Evan, Zachary, Camryn, Calen, Grace, Paige, Curtis, Vincent, Vera, Eva, Darren, Nicole, and Paisley; sister, Barb Carlson of Sioux City, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Lola was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Van Houten; son, Kirk Van Houten; Daughter-in-law, Kerry Van Houten; sister, Lucinda (Harold) Jeffrey; and brother-in-law, Roland Carlson.