Marilyn E. Houtakker

Jayne was born on February 1, 1943, to Charles and Geneva (Schmitt) Arlen in Graf, IA, the 3rd of 15 children. She graduated from Senior High School; then was employed at Dubuque Community Schools and John Deere Dubuque Works. She married the love of her life, Gerald F. Houtakker, on August 22, 1964. They moved onto the family farm in Cuba City where they raised their five children. Jayne was known for her love of flowers and gardening; dahlias being her favorite. Cinnamon rolls, divinity pie and cherry dessert were the most requested homemade treats from the grandchildren. Spending time with her siblings was important; a highlight was baking sour cream cookies at Christmas with them. A favorite winter hobby was picking out walnuts and playing Crazy 8 and Rummy with her grandchildren. Together as a couple Jerry and Jayne enjoyed being a part of the same euchre club for over 50 years. Jayne touched many lives through her strong work ethic, caring heart and generosity. She is survived by her husband, Gerald; children, Tammy (Shane) Marti, David (Joni) Houtakker, both of Cuba City, Tina (Doug) Williams, Mount Horeb, WI, Lisa (Jamie) Kumhala, Oshkosh, WI and Jennifer (Ryan) Downey, Williamsport, MD; grandchildren, Samantha, Kayla, Jessica and Benjamin Marti, Cody and Cheyanne Houtakker, Rachael, Alexander, and Elijah Williams, Katelyn, Joshua and Emma Schuttenhelm, Jay and Brody Kumhala and Jack Downey; siblings, Rosene Moreland, Dubuque, IA, Marlene (Glenn) Stoner, Charlottesville, VA, John (Dana) Arlen, Wilton, IA, Richard (Caroline) Arlen, Boise, ID, Connie (Allan) Connolly and Cindy Bartels, both of Dubuque, IA, Darwin (Becky) Arlen, Hartford, NY, Charles (Julie) Arlen, New Vienna, IA, Denise McNatt, Cary, IL, Christina (Bruce) Dokkebakken, Big Lake, MN, Russell (Karen) Arlen, Dubuque, IA, Audrey Zankle, Woodstock, IL, and Mary Monroe, Davenport, IA; brother-in-law, Bill Ament, Epworth, IA; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Julie Ament; and brothers-in-law, Francis Moreland and Robert Bartels.