Gladstone, MI
Walter C. Houghton, age 86, of Gladstone, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, February 3, 2025 at his home.
Walter was born October 15, 1938 in Manistique, MI the son of Walter S. and Mary (McGillviry) Houghton. He attended and graduated from Gladstone Area Schools Class of 1956. He continued his education at Western Michigan University and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree and went on to achieve his Master’s Degree from University of Arkansas. While going to school he participated in the ROTC and spent two years in the Army in the 101st Airborne. He worked for the Department of Natural Resources as a Fishery Biologist. This fueled his love for the outdoors. He enjoyed being up at camp in Gould City and spending time hunting and fishing. Throughout his life he had many beagles and black labs and most recently adored his dog, Minnie.
Walter was united in marriage to Sybil on December 23, 1961 and together had two children. Their marriage ended in 1982. Walter was a member of Memorial United Methodist Church for many years. He also was a member of the Gladstone Golf Club. Walter was a long time Detroit Lions fan. He cared about his health and was an avid runner. He was also proud of his garden and above all else enjoyed spending time with his family.
On December 30, 1988 he was united in marriage to Lettie MacKenzie (Bratonia) at the Memorial United Church in Gladstone.They have spent 37 loving years together.
Walter spent many summers working on the Soo Line to pay for his education. He was also vital in the restoration of the Soo Line Engine.
In addition to his loving wife Lettie, Walter is survived by:
Children: Walter S. Houghton of Mason, MI
Kirstin (Michael) Burchett of Puyallup, WA
Steven Bratonia of Gladstone, MI
Jeff (Susan) Bratonia of Gladstone, MI
Larry (Billie Jo) Bratonia of Gladstone, MI
Nancy (Mark) Monroe of Gladstone, MI
Sandra Bratonia of Gladstone, MI
Sister: Norma Hager of Ephraim, WI
14 Grandchildren
15 Great Grandchildren
And many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins
In addition to his Parents, Walter is preceded in death by Sister Linda Reeves.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Terri Branstrom officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Walter will be laid to rest at a later time in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Houghton family.
Walt Patterson - Rock, MI
We will miss you and think of you often on the first tee! Thanks for being a golfing friend, you can watch and be at all the PGA tournaments now buddy. It was fun when we attended the tournament in Oshkosh Wisconsin a few years back.
RIP dear friend!
Joe Leonardi - Davison, MI
My condolences to Walt’s families. I remember Walt from DNR Fisheries as a smart and dedicated biologist who was highly respected by those of us privileged to work with him. He always had a quiet smile for me which was probably due to our Gladstone roots.
John Bergman - Tucson, AZ
I knew Walt from the gorgeous Gladstone Golf Club. He and Lettie were two of the nicest people in a sea of nice people. I miss seeing them on Fridays for the best fish fry in Delta County. I will miss Walt. My deepest sympathies for Lettie and the family.
E. John Trimberger - LEROY, MI
Walt was a great hatchery biologist at a time when the salmon fishery was making history in Michigan. The State of Michigan, the Michigan DNR and the fisher persons of the Great Lakes area owe Walt a debt of gratitude. May he rest in peace.
Bonnie Westin - Gladstone, Mi
Dear Lettie and family, We were saddened to hear of Walter’s passing and send our sympathy to you and the family. Bonnie and Glenn Westin
Bob Trygg - Duluth, MN
Saying good bye to a great classmate of 1956. Please accept our sincere condolences for your entire family.
John Pickard - Gladstone, MI
We Will Miss Walt very much in our Soo Line Steam Engine #730 Restoration Group. Walt had so much fun and we enjoyed having him. Rest in Peace my Friend. You will be missed.
Jackie Mott - Orange Park, FL
Rest in Peace Walt! You are no longer sufferring. God Bless❤️
Hugs to you Aunty Lettie and the entire family. Love you all❤️
John Schrouder - Bentley, MI
Walt was a great Hatchery Biologist and a better person. He usually greeted everyone with a smile and had a positive outlook even when a trout or salmon or two died. He loved his beagles and he and I had some memorable rabbit hunts especially with CT Yoder on Beaver Island and other locations. RIP Walt and condolences to your family.
Tim McGarry - Muskegon, Mi
Walt was my running buddy when we both worked for DNR in Lansing. We had lots in common in our love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. HE WAS A WAS A GOOD MAN AND A GREAT FRIEND. Never missed sending Xmas card with a long note keeping me posted on all his hunting adventures in the UP after he retired.