John Houghton

JOHN 'JACK' THEODORE HOUGHTON MARCH 15, 1931 - JULY 31, 2010 LAKE TOMAHAWK, Wis. -John "Jack" Theodore Houghton of Lake Tomahawk passed away peacefully at Seasons of Life in Woodruff, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jack was born and raised in Rockford, Ill. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Jack embarked on a career in the office machines industry that spanned more than four decades. His work as a service manager for a national corporation carried him and his family to new locations in five states stretching from coast to coast before Jack started his own business and found a permanent home in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Jack was one of five children born to the late Forrest Leslie Houghton and Marie Nellie Templin. Since his boyhood, Jack expressed a deep and abiding attraction to the outdoors, whether hunting, fishing or simply sleeping under the stars. He eventually found lasting satisfaction in the Wisconsin Northwoods; being on the water, watching the wildlife, enjoying the silence and staring into the dark sky. Jack loved being with his family, sharing tales with friends, and teasing anyone who would pay attention to him. He was especially proud of his years of service with the Lake Tomahawk Volunteer Fire Department. Jack touched the lives of many people with his relentless humor and uncompromising frankness, both of which he maintained all the way to the end. Survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Lois Margaret Reynolds; brother, Bill Houghton; sister, Doris Nash; caring sisters-in-law, Lorraine Houghton and Linda Bowen; beloved children, Julie Barnett, Susan Raines, Rob Houghton and John Houghton; five grandchildren; along with countless neighbors, friends and other family who were blessed to know him. Service at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in Bolger Funeral Home Woodruff Chapel, 1212 First Ave., Woodruff, WI 54568; with visitation from 1 p.m. to time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to the wonderful people who cared for Jack in his time of need at Seasons of Life Hospice Home, PO Box 770, Woodruff Road, Woodruff, WI. 54568. Online condolences at bolgerfuneral.com.