Theresa Louise Van Houten

Theresa Louise Van Houten, 88, of Central Lake died October 29, 2020 at Medilodge in Traverse City.  She was born April 17, 1932 in Bellaire the daughter of Rolland and Sarah (Berg) Lessard.

Theresa Louise “Pepper” graduated from Bellaire High School in 1949 as class Valedictorian.  She was very proud that several of her children and grandchildren followed in her footsteps as they too graduated with valedictorian honors.  Theresa enjoyed knitting, reading, and playing scrabble.  She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and was a wonderful cook.

For years Theresa was the bookkeeper and business partner for James Van Houten Builders. She was excellent with numbers and kept the office running smoothly.  Theresa was a member of the Central Lake Methodist Church and founding member of the famous Swiss Steak Dinners.

On October 20, 1950, she married the love of her life, James Howard Van Houten, whom she just celebrated 70 years of marriage with.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband James, her children Beth Brooks of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Daniel (Rachel) Van Houten of Acme, Dawn (Michael) Bergman of Traverse City, Ken (LaShelle) Van Houten of Central Lake, Jill (Rocky) McKay of Central Lake, Destiny (Joel) Narloch of Oxford, Desmond (Rachel) Van Houten of Appleton, WI, her sisters Josephine Parker, Susan Ottgen, Cathy Mackaty, her grandchildren Adam (Beth) Van Houten, Nathan Van Houten, Justin Van Houten, Josh (Haley) Van Houten, Kirk McKay, Kyle McKay, Tracy (Qito) Maza and 14 great grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.  Memorial donations can be given to the Central Lake United Methodist Church, PO BOX 213 Central Lake, MI 49622 or PACE North, 2325 N. Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com