Richard L. Houston

Richard L. Houston, 76, of Dakota City, passed away on Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines following a lengthy illness.

Richard was born August 3, 1948, in Fort Dodge, the son of Robert and Iola (Johnson) Houston. He was raised and educated in Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1966. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1967 – 1994 including his time during Desert Storm, steadily advancing to the rank of Sergeant First Class in the Military Police division. Afterward, Richard transitioned to the Pocahontas Reserve 4249th Port Security unit to finish his career. Richard was united in marriage to Pam (Pelican) Kasperbauer on February 2, 1996, in Mesa, Arizona in front of close family members. Richard lived most of his life in Humboldt, raised his children in Humboldt and worked for Sande Construction for 50 years, retiring in 2015. Richard was a member of Faith United Methodist Church.

He often spent his time creating intricate works of art, everything from drawings of Humboldt landmarks, motorcycles, and military scenes to crafting metal replicas. Richard had a keen ability to work with his hands and fixed anything that needed mending. In addition, he enjoyed watching NASCAR Racing, fishing, woodworking and relaxing over a weekend of camping. Lastly, Richard had a long-lasting love of gardening, and you would be sure to find him canning throughout the summer and fall.

Richard is survived by his wife of 29 years, Pam of Dakota City, his daughter Angela Houston-Savage of Denver, Colorado, his step-sons; Michael (Erika) Kasperbauer of Fort Dodge, Jeremy Kasperbauer and Brandon (Lindsay) Kasperbauer both of Ankeny, grandchildren; Erika Savage, Bryanne (Dontay) Bass, Corey Kasperbauer, Trey (Tori) Kasperbauer, Tyler Kasperbauer, Rachel Kasperbauer, Kayla Kasperbauer, Hunter Kasperbauer, Jaedon Swanson, Kiera Kasperbauer, Kellen Kasperbauer and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Richard Aaron and brothers, Mark, Nels and Torg, his sister-in-law Jane and his stepdaughter Amy Kasperbauer.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with a brief prayer service to follow on Saturday, March 22nd at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service in Humboldt. A reception will follow at the Sathers-Odgaard VFW in Dakota City. Burial with military rites will be held with close family members at Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the discretion of the family. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com