Donald Earl Houtkooper, age 98, formally of Canby, MN, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 12, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Chapel in Canby. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM and the service follows at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Highland Lutheran Cemetery in Brandt, SD. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Don was born on September 12, 1927, in Deuel County, South Dakota, to John and Mabel (Miller) Houtkooper. He grew up on the family farm and completed school through the 8th grade. Later he earning his GED. In January 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS. His service took him to Camp Hale, Colorado, where he completed advanced infantry training, learned to work with pack mules, climbed and rappelled mountains, and discovered a lifelong love of mountains and skiing. On June 20, 1953, Don married the love of his life, Norma Jean Jacobson, at Highland Church in Brandt, SD. They made their home in Canby. They were blessed with two children, Neil and Gail. Don worked first as a hired hand on local farms before beginning a long career as an HVAC technician—beginning with Livingston Heating and Air Conditioning, and ending with CAS Plumbing and Heating. Don was a dedicated member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, where he ushered and served on the Board of Deacons and the search committee. He was also a member of the Sons of Norway in Canby. Family time meant everything to Don. He treasured camping trips with family and friends, and he poured countless hours into two hobbies that brought him joy: fishing and woodworking. His craftsmanship was well known, and he proudly displayed and his creations at many community events. After retiring, Don and Norma enjoyed many bus trips together and spent several winters in Texas. In 2018, they moved to Sioux Falls, SD, and Don later made his home at the Veterans Home in Luverne, where he spent his final days.
Don is survived by his son, Neil (Pam) Houtkooper, and their daughters, Madeline and Miranda (Ben) Bunyan; his daughter, Gail Anderson, and her sons, Zachary (Afton) Anderson and their daughters Chloe and Lyla, Jacob Anderson, and Alex (Kristin) Anderson and their children Britton and Rhodes; his sister, Carol (Jerry) Henneman; sister-in-law Lois Jacobson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Norma; his brothers, Clifford, Glenn (Bernice), and Bob (Dolly); his granddaughter, Mara Houtkooper; and his son-in-law, Dennis Anderson.
