Mary Lou Houzenga, 87, died on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at her home in Thomson, IL.
Mary Lou was born May 18, 1934, in Wacker, IL, to Ernest E. and Eliza J. (Harding) LaShelle. In her elementary years, she moved often and attended various schools during that time. She was a 1952 graduate of York Community High School in Thomson. She married Leland J. Houzenga on April 11, 1952, at Leland’s parents’ farm in Fulton, IL. He died on April 22, 1989. Mary Lou worked as a waitress at the Ketchum’s Café and at the Royal Blue Grocery Store in Thomson. After marrying, Leland, Mary Lou spent time raising her family. She later worked at AC Nielsen in the 1980s. Mary Lou was a member of Spring Valley Reformed Church and was a former member of Trinity Reformed Church. She was involved in Women’s Club, Ladies Aide, Home Extension, and the Thomson Depot Museum. She was a 50-year member of TOPS IL #821. She loved reading, looking at cook books, bird watching, and watching PBS shows. Mary Lou loved cooking and cherished the time she spent with her family.
Survivors include daughters, Julie (Gordon) Wadle of Thomson and Connie (Kevin) Nicolaysen of Fulton, IL; sons, Russell (Sandy Jilderda) Houzenga of Argo Fay, IL, Bruce (Jenny) Houzenga of Morrison, IL, Art (Teri) Houzenga of Fulton, David (Rita) Houzenga of Clinton, IA, and Douglas Houzenga of Thomson; 19 grandchildren, Elisha, Michelle, Mariah, Travis, Nyssa, Kaler, Anthony, Richard, Kristen, Brian, Nicholas, Meghan, Heather, Brent, Leland, Shane, David, Tiffany, and Haley; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on the way; four great-great-grandchildren; brother, Frank (Joyce) LaShelle of Thomson; sisters-in-law, Lori LaShelle of Thomson and Deana LaShelle of Clinton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leland; daughter, Peggy Jean Houzenga; brothers, Donald LaShelle, Everett LaShelle, and Gerald LaShelle; brother-in-law, Alvin Housenga; sister-in-law, Leota Laughlin.
Her Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Ken Renkes officiating.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2021, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL.
A memorial has been established to Thomson EMS and Fire Department.