Robert E. Houck

FRANKLIN GROVE – Robert E. Houck, 87, formerly of Rock Falls, died Thursday, June 21, 2018, at Meadows Assisted Living in Franklin Grove.

Robert was born April 13, 1931, in Woosung, the son of John and Sadie (Farster) Houck. He married Ruth Marshall on Dec. 31, 1960, in LeClaire, Iowa. She died Oct. 17, 2009. His greatest joys came in sharing his loving kindness to children; and especially his two granddaughters, Sadie and Vivian. Robert was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Lawrence & Sons Contracting for more than 40 years, retiring in 1993. He proudly served as a sergeant in the Army during the Korean War. He was a 50-year member of Sterling American Legion and a member of Local 150 of International Union of Operating Engineers. Robert enjoyed a lifetime of bowling, and was known for his woodworking skills.

Survivors include two daughters, Lynn (Tim) O’Laughlin of Amboy and Susan (Josh) Clark of Lafayette, Indiana; two sisters, Phyllis Wittenauer of Amboy and Cheryl (Vern) Shetler of Polo; four brothers, Wilmer “Bill” Houck of Sterling, Donald Houck of Dixon, Walter (Sandy) Houck of Roscoe, and Dennis Houck of Polo; and two granddaughters, Sadie Kay O’Laughlin and Vivian O’Laughlin.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Mary, Darlene, Dorothy, Janet and Pat; one brother, Ber.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Chaplain Christopher Ausler of Unity Hospice officiating. Private burial will be at a later date at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Visit mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.