Rudy Dueck VanHouten of Hazen, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. He was born January 22, 1927 in De Valls Bluff, Arkansas. He was the son of the late Commie Dwight and Viola Mathis VanHouten. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, LeRoy and John VanHouten; sisters, Gladys Vick and Charlotte Ivy; daughter, Evelyn Ann VanHouten, and a niece Vicki McClure Hutchcraft. Rudy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosetta Ann VanHouten; sons Darrell (Tammy) VanHouten of Maumelle, Rodney (Tammy) VanHouten and Travis (Shelly) VanHouten of Hazen; daughter, Trudy (Rick) Johnson of Hazen; Also survived by three brothers, T.L. (Skinny) VanHouten, B.R. VanHouten, Kenneth (Bumpin) VanHouten all of Hazen; sisters, Ruby Petrus of Stuttgart and Bobbie Petty of Hazen; ten grandchildren, Josh (Amy) VanHouten, Christian (Stephanie) VanHouten, Paige (Heath) Hawkins, Kim (Brian) Glaze, Karmen (Mitchell) Lawson, Alexis (Tyler) Fields, Brayden, Clark, and Chase VanHouten; eight great-grandchildren, Brooke, Peyton, Zac, Luke, MacKinlee, Addison, Tesla, and Beckett.
Rudy was loving and devoted to his wife, kids, and grandchildren. He was a lifelong farmer and avid hunter. His joyful and joking spirit will be remembered and cherished throughout the community. His acts of kindness will never be forgotten and always cherished.
Rudy was a retired fire department member, city council member, former deputy sheriff, justice of the peace, member of the American Legion, Hazen Deer Club, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Hazen and a World War II veteran.
Visitation will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 24, 2017 and funeral services will follow at 11:00 A.M. all at the First United Methodist Church in Hazen. Burial will be at the Hazen Cemetery following services.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice 11900 Colonel Glen Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210.
As a remarkable man in many ways, Mr. Rudy VanHouten left a wonderful legacy that will be forever cherished by those who knew him. Indeed, it was a joy to know him. Our prayers continue for his family. May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, assurance, and comfort in this time of sorrow. With Sympathy, Billy and Gail Booth
I will always remenber Rudy for his laughter, jokes, and never meeting a stranger…
When he and my Dad ( Carl Reitenger) would get together there wasn’t a second without laughter, funny stories, or jokes…
Rudy was an amazing man , one who lived his life as he so fit, with fun, friendliness, joy and love…
May the Lord Bless him and keep him..
May the Lord be with his family and friends in this time of loss and ever after…
Uncle Rudy will truely be missed!!!!! He was a one of a kind person and i am so glad i got to call him my Uncle!!!! Love and prayers to everyone who was blessed to know him!!!!
So very sorry for the loss of Mr. Rudy. Prayers for your entire family.
Ms. Rosetta, what a loving wife you have been! I know your body has been exhausted as you poured yourself into whatever his care required. You can be assured you have done all you could have done. I hope I will be as strong as you have shown me how to be.
So sad to hear of Rudy’s passing. He was truly one of a kind and I always enjoyed being around him—especially in the early days when he and Dad would duck hunt together to the time when you both came to visit us at EAA in Oshkosh.. His strong personality and character will be fondly remembered. My condolences to you, Rosetta, and the entire family.
Mrs. Rosetta: I was so sorry to read about Mr. Rudy’s passing. I know the void will be great, but knowing that he is at ease and no pain, hopefully will help some. My prayer is that God comforts as only He can during this time. I love you and sure miss seeing you around town. I still live in Austin, Arkansas and I love it, no mosquitoes. Take care of yourself and just know that you have your special Guardian Angel taking care of you and that you will be re-united one day.
Mary Beth
So sorry to hear of Rudy’s passing. He brought our children so much happiness growing up. He was such a great Santa for so many years. My prayers are with the family.
Mrs. Rosetta,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Rudy. Praying for comfort, guidance and strength for you and your family. May God wrap his loving arms around you and the family.
What can I say about Uncle Rudy. He was such a character who loved making others smile and laugh. He fought a good but losing battle with this terrible disease and had the best care from the beginning to the end.Aunt Rosette you are the best of the best and I love you so. Uncle Rudy will always hold a special place in my heart so he will never be forgotten. Now he can continue his jokes and shenanigans with those who have gone before him. I love you Uncle Rudy
Debbie-Do
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort, strength and guidance for you and your family.
Rosetta and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Rudy’s passing and pray that God will give you strength as well as ease your aching hearts.
Littell and Janice Sparks