Donald H. Houghtaling, 85, of Rockham, SD, died Thursday, April 1, 2010 at Avera St. Lukes Hospital in Aberdeen, SD.

Don was cremated and his memorial service will be Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate.

Cremains burial will be in the Rockham Cemetery with military rites followed by a lunch at the Rockham Community Center. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Don was born July 17, 1924 in Redfield to Lewis and Sonora (Glasser) Houghtaling. Don served in the United States Navy, from 1942 to 1945, as a radio operator. After his discharge, he married Velma Carter, in Redfield, on September 6, 1947. He spent twenty years working at SDDC- Redfield, he also worked at various businesses in Redfield. He enjoyed hunting, watching baseball and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with family and friends.

Don is survived by his children: Marcia (Chub) Mapes of North Platte, NE; Terry Houghtaling of Eden Prairie, MN; and Sheila Robertson of Rockham. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Traci (Mark) Frey of Stapleton, NE; Cory (Robyn) Hoesing of Townsville, Australia; Nikki Hoesing of Federal Way, WA; Rick Hoesing of Des Moines, IA; Chad (Erica) Robertson of Carmel, IA; Dawn (Jay) Whitley of Redfield and T.J. (Jamie) Campbell of Rockham, twenty great grandchildren, two sisters: Delores Tott of Sunnyvale, CA and Patsy Kent of Tulare, SD, three sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Velma in 2007, and three brothers: Dan, Reid and Clyford.