James “Jim” N. Houtsch, 92, Otwell

James “Jim” N. Houtsch, 92, of Otwell, passed away at 5:44 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at Northwood Good Samaritan Retirement Community in Jasper. 

Jim was born in Portersville 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 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. 

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve “Jennie” Houtsch of Otwell; two daughters, Donna (Kevin) Brandt of Jasper and Doreatha (Steven) Lintzenich of Mount Vernon, Ind.; one son, Michael (Judy) Houtsch of Otwell; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.   

Preceding him in death was one son, Rueben John Houtsch who died in infancy; one stepbrother, 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 graveside rites. 

A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at the Becher-Kluesner North Chapel in Jasper and one hour before the service time at the church. 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.