Keith S. Houghtaling (Draeger)

(December 23, 1941 - November 10, 2008)

Keith S. Houghtaling, 66, of Rodney, died on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008 after a three-year battle with lung cancer.

Keith was born on Dec. 23, 1941 to Sylvester “Dess” L. and Lois I. Draeger in L’Anse. After his father’s death, Keith’s mother re-married and relocated to Fremont, where Keith grew up. He started his career in radio, which led to a career in sales. Keith was also an entrepreneur; he co-owned a steel company in Aurora, Colorado with his brother Paul (Holt Steel, fka Holt Marketing Corporation), and he later owned a game-bird farm in Franktown, Colorado (Highland Game Birds).

Keith lived in Colorado for many years, where his heart found peace in the mountains. Keith’s true love was hunting and horseback riding, especially trail riding and pack riding. He was in his element packing a horse with supplies and heading into the Western moun tain wilderness for weeks at a time. Rides of signifi cance were when he rode the Continental Divide out West and the Bay de Noc Trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Keith was a founding member of the Hungerford Trail Riders Association and former Vice President.

He loved cinnamon Trenary Toast, blueberries, creamed hamburger on mashed potatoes, and choc olate cake with whipped cream frosting drowned in milk. Keith enjoyed a cold Miller Light, and tossed back many at Pappy’s in Rodney. He was a staunch conservative Republican, and died a proud NRA mem ber, clinging to his guns and religion. Friends said that it may just be the recent presi dential election that actually killed him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Judith Beaudette Houghtaling; his eldest daughter, Kelly (Mitch) Van Dyke; his son, Chad K. Houghtaling; and his youngest daughter, Vanessa (Houghtaling) Kelly; his brothers, Paul Alan (Carol) Houghtaling and Dale Roger (Cyndi) Houghtaling; seven grandchildren; and numer ous nieces, nephews, cous ins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dess Draeger; an infant sister, Lois Jean Draeger; his mother, Lois Irene (Van Buren/Draeger) Houghtaling; step-father, Maurice Houghtaling; a brother, James Arthur Houghtaling; a nephew, Jason Paul Houghtaling; and his infant grandson, Matthew Jerrit Van Dyke.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Fremont United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ted Johnson of Big Rapids Free Methodist Church offi ciating. According to Keith’s wishes, cremation will take place and his ashes will be buried in L’Anse Cemetery in the Spring of 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Keith Houghtaling Memorial Fund c/o West Michigan Credit Union, 825 Division St., Big Rapids, Michigan 49307.

11/19/2008 Times Indicator Article (p. 11) Times Indicator
Fremont High School Alumni News