James N Houtsch

March 17, 1928 - September 22, 2020

Dateline Otwell, Indiana James "Jim" N. Houtsch, age 92 of Otwell, Indiana, passed away at 5:44 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at Northwood Good Samaritan Retirement Community in Jasper, IN. Jim was born in Portersville, Indiana on March 17, 1928 to Rueben and Myrtle (Mulkey) Houtsch. After Rueben passed, Myrtle later remarried Forrest Hudson. Jim married Genevieve "Jennie" Neukam on September 26, 1953 in Granite City, Illinois. He was a military policeman who served in the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the Jasper VFW Post #673, American Legion Post #147 and the Disabled American Veterans. (DAV). Jim worked at Jasper Wood Products where he met his wife, Jennie. In his earlier years he was employed at the Otwell Milling Company where he was hired on as the foreman. He worked for Olinger Construction where he helped build bridges on Interstate 64. He later retired after 33 years as a self employed carpenter. He could build or fix anything. He built his own home and spent many hours in his workshop. He enjoyed fishing on the family pontoon in Patoka Lake. He learned to water ski at age 55. He was a member of St. Peters United Church of Christ in Dubois, and was a charter member of the Otwell Water Corporation and a member of the Otwell Ruritan. Surviving are his wife, Genevieve Houtsch, Otwell, IN, two daughters, Donna (Kevin) Brandt, Jasper, and Doreatha (Steven) Lintzenich, Mount Vernon, IN; one son, Michael (Judy) Houtsch, Otwell, IN; eight grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death was one son Rueben John Houtsch who died in infancy and one step-brother, Larry Hudson, three sisters, MariLou Craig, Eileen Russell, and Dorothy White. Funeral services for James N. Houtsch will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2020 at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, in Dubois, Indiana, with burial to follow in St. Peter's Cemetery in Dubois. Pastor John Sterrett will officiate. The VFW Post #673 will conduct military gravesite rites. A visitation will be held from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on September 27, 2020, at the Becher-Kluesner North Chapel in Jasper, Indiana and one hour before the service time at the church at 9:00 am. Masks and social distancing will be required for the visitation and service. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's United Church of Christ or to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.