Thomas J. Houser, 92, of Dowagiac, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at his home.
He was born on July 17, 1933, in Chicago, IL, the son of the late John and Rose (Vondrak) Houser. A 1951 graduate of Decatur High School, Tom was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving two years in Germany during the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955. On January 28, 1956, he was united in marriage to Josephine Basteikis.
Tom was a machinist by trade and loved tinkering with motors and engines. Tom would take machines apart and put them back together, fascinated to learn and understand how they worked. He was an accomplished wood craftsman, fashioning beautiful pieces of heirloom furniture for his family. He took great pride in his innate knowledge of the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a fabulous storyteller, and could regale you for hours, telling you about his adventures through the years. After retirement, Tom and his wife Josephine traveled throughout the US, and would share many fun memories of their adventures. Until the recent past, Tom could be found kayaking with his kayak club, cutting his own firewood each year, and fishing with Josephine for bluegill on local lakes. Tom loved life and family, living his life on his terms, and for this, his family will forever hold him in their hearts.
Surviving are his loving wife of 69 years, Josephine Houser; six children, Kenneth (Barbara) Houser, Michael (Ruth) Houser, Diane (Andreas Woehr) Houser, Patricia (John) Gremaux, Elaine (Dennis) O’Brien and Thomas (Nicole) Houser; six grandchildren, Becky Albertson, Amanda Houser, Matthew Gremaux, Thomas Gremaux, Courtney Sandberg and Emily (Ryan) Hunt; four great-grandchildren, Maria, Thalia, Kacey and Audrey; brother, Ray (Eileen) Houser; beloved dog, Lolo; and several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; young daughter, Theresa Houser; and sister, Lorraine Churchill.
Friends may visit with Tom’s family from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, November 19, at Newell Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 83313 M-51, Decatur, where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 20, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 500 W. St. Mary’s St., Decatur, with Fr. Raj Nathan as celebrant. Interment will follow in Hamilton Cemetery. Decatur. Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Centrica Care Hospice. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit Tom’s personalized webpage at www.newellchapel.com.
Service Details
Visitation
When
November 19th, 2025 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where
Newell Chapel
Address
83313 M-51
Decatur, Michigan 49045
Additional Visitation Information
Rosary at 7:00 PM
Service
When
November 20th, 2025 11:00am
Where
Holy Family Catholic Church
Address
500 W. St. Mary Street
Decatur , Michigan 49045
Interment
Where
Hamilton Cemetery
Address
52897 Territorial Rd
Decatur , MI 49045
Posted On: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 3:01 PM
