Charles "Ed" Houghtby

1932 - 2021

Charles "Ed" Houghtby
ROANOKE - Charles Edward "Ed" Houghtby, 88, of Shabbona, formerly of Roanoke, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Thursday, March 11, 2021.
Ed was born on November 11, 1932, in Rochelle, Illinois, to John and Myrtie (Plapp) Houghtby. He married Joan Sallee on April 12, 1962, in Shabbona, Illinois. Ed and Joan were married for 57 years and were the proud parents of three daughters, Susan, Kristine and Jennifer.
Ed was a 1950 graduate of Shabbona High School. After high school, he attended Northwestern University for two years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Ed served three years in the Marine Corps, during which time he was an infantryman in the Korean War and a member of the military police. On November 23, 1955, Ed graduated from the State Police Academy and embarked upon a distinguished career with the Illinois State Police. Moving through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain, Ed attained the rank of Major in 1980, prior to his retirement on December 31, 1982. Among the highlights of Ed's prestigious career was arranging security for and meeting President Gerald Ford when he visited the state of Illinois. In addition to his many and varied responsibilities with the Illinois State Police, Ed received specialized police administrative, Secret Service and FBI training in Washington, D.C., and graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1976. He was also a member of several professional organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Police Association, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, the Illinois Valley Chiefs Association and the Command Officers' Association of the Illinois State Police. In his private life, Ed was a member of the DeKalb County Chapter of Shriners International and the VFW of Leesburg, Florida, and a life-time member of both the American Legion and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Illinois.
In addition to his military and civic service and his many professional accomplishments, Ed will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of gardening and his genuine passion for sports, particularly baseball and basketball. Ed was a loyal and lifelong Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed trading barbs with the many Cubs fans in his life. An avid fan of the game of basketball, he faithfully followed both the Fighting Illini and the many basketball teams throughout the years of his high school alma mater. Ed was also a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ in Shabbona.
Ed is survived by his three daughters, Susan (Stan) Kapraun of Roanoke, Illinois, Kristine Klopotek of Shabbona, Illinois, and Jennifer (Joe) Masini of Mendota, Illinois. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Holly (JT) Jones, Ryan (Jessica) Kapraun, Lesley (Brian) Lane, Jeff Klopotek, Beth (Anthony) Dewitz, Eric Masini and Samantha Masini; as well as eight great- grandchildren, Christopher, Nathan, Charlotte, Claire, Liam, Landon, Lukas and Ethan. Also surviving Ed are his sister, Grace Catron; and aunt, Emilie Dvorak; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and caregivers.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents; an infant sister, Mary Elizabeth; his brother-in-law, Donald Catron; and his son-in-law, Daniel Klopotek.
The family would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Dhaval Thakkar, Bethany Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and Heartland Hospice Care.
Public visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at the Shabbona United Church of Christ. Due to Covid concerns, the family will not be in attendance during the visitation time. It was important to Ed for friends to still be able to pay their respects during this time. Masks are required and social distancing guidelines should be followed. A private family funeral service will be held later, with Pastor Peter Kolb officiating. The funeral service will be recorded and available to watch later on the Jacobson-Torman Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will follow the family service in Rose Hill Cemetery, with full military honors.
Memorial funds in Ed's honor will be established for Heartland Hospice Care and Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Jacobson-Torman Funeral Home in Shabbona assisted the family.