In Memory of Arthur L. Houk

Arthur L. “Art” Houk, age 67, of Arthur, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at his residence. 

Per Art’s wishes no services will be held.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Arthur LeRoy “Art” Houk, the son of David and Helen (Brown) Houk, was born on December 14, 1958, in Princeton, Missouri. He grew up in the Princeton area and received his education at Princeton High School. On June 4, 1980, Art answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served for four years before receiving his honorable discharge in 1984. 

Following his time in the service, Art returned to Missouri, where he owned and operated his own construction company. While completing a job near Lytton, Iowa, he developed a fondness for Northwest Iowa and ultimately decided to make the area his home. Art went on to work for Cook Siding in Wall Lake, Iowa, where he remained for many years. Later in life, he transitioned to truck driving, working both local routes and over-the-road before eventually retiring. 

From his first marriage, Art was blessed with three daughters, Melissa, Judy, and Lori. The marriage later ended, and on June 3, 2000, Art was united in marriage to LaVon Sharkey. With their marriage, Art lovingly welcomed LaVon’s three daughters, Carmen, Amy, and Sara, creating a blended family of six daughters. Art and LaVon made their home together in Arthur, Iowa. 

In his free time, Art enjoyed hunting, attending demolition derbies, and proudly showing his 2004 Honda Gold Wing trike. He appreciated the simple pleasures in life, including relaxing with a cold beer in hand. Although Art was a quiet man who often kept to himself, his family meant the world to him. Above all else, he treasured the time spent with those he loved and the memories they created together. 

Left to cherish his memory include his wife LaVon Houk of Arthur, IA; daughter Melissa (Yvette) Alvarez-Houk, Judy (Jeff) Reeves, Lori (Brandon) Runyan, Carmen (Chris) Schuett, Amy (Brandon) vonGlan, and Sara (Rodney) Olerich; 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; siblings Alice (John) Larkin, Dianna “Danny” (Steve) Stockman; Sarah “Sally” (Monty) Bonnett, and Steven (Karen) Houk; sisters-in-law Diane Houk and DeEtta Houk; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents David and Helen Houk; siblings Lela (Kevin) McClaflin, Laura Jane Houk, David “Crocket” Houk, and Clifford “Kip” Houk; granddaughter Kallyn vonGlan; and great-grandson Luka Tipton.