In Memory of Irene Rose Van Houten

Irene Rose Van Houten, age 84, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017, at the Willow Dale Wellness Village of Battle Creek, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Reverend Kevin J. Freese will officiate; with committal services immediately following in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa. The Christensen - Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek & Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com

Irene Rose Van Houten was born January 25, 1933 in Ida County, the daughter of John and Rose (Schuett) Frandsen. She attended school in Correctionville, Sioux City, and Battle Creek, Iowa.

On July 6, 1949 she married David Bruce “Bud” Van Houten and to this union were born three sons.  They farmed for 34 years before retirement to the town of Battle Creek.

Irene was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek and a 52 year member of the Ladies Country Club. She enjoyed playing all types of card games, her flowers, and her family.

Survivors include sons Alan and wife Barbara of Ida Grove, Iowa, Duane and wife Virginia of Newburgh, Indiana, and Douglas and wife Debra of Battle Creek, Iowa; ten grandchildren Tricia Widlund and husband Justin, Ryan Van Houten, Molly Hartman and husband Brian, Beth Slimko and husband Gabe, Sarah Chapman and husband Andy, Kenny Van Houten and wife Kayla, Josh Van Houten and wife Christie, Keely Goettsch and husband Alan, Aaron Van Houten and wife Amanda, Justin Van Houten, and three step grandchildren, Greg, Michelle and Christen, and 21 great grandchildren.

She was also survived by a brother Walter “Darrell” Frandsen and wife Nancy from Louisville, Kentucky, , one sister Mary Schultz and her husband John from Kiron, Iowa, one sister-in-laws Karen Frandsen from Cherokee, Iowa.

                She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bruce “Bud” Van Houten, brothers Bill Frandsen and John Leo Frandsen and his wife Rachel, uncle and aunt Art and Grace Frandsen.