Paul K. Houtman, age 88, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Paul was born in Kalamazoo and graduated from the University of Michigan where he met his wife, Shirley Meiste. They lived in Kalamazoo for more than 50 years before moving to Holland in 2013. Paul was a member of North Park Reformed Church most of his life, where he sang with the Men’s Chorus.
During his career as an engineer, Paul worked at National Water Lift and Parker Hannifin. He helped design hydraulic systems for Boeing, McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed airplanes. His team also designed components of the shock absorbers on the Apollo Lunar Module. He holds five US patents related to fluid pumps.
Paul was known for his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren, his ability to fix almost anything, and his perpetual desire to share a joke. Other memories include summer days at Big Star Lake where Paul loved to waterski and fish, as well as winter evenings spent snowmobiling. Paul enjoyed cars and loved the challenge of solving a mechanical problem. He is also remembered for his patience and his willingness to teach children and grandkids new skills.
In the last several years, the phrase “here comes trouble” was often loving directed to him at the retirement home where he lived. He is remembered there for his devotion to his late wife during her decline and his kindness to other residents. He was especially delighted by visits and videos from his three great-grandchildren. In his final few days, he visited a classic car museum and thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing about his brothers and his childhood.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Houtman; son-in-law, Alan Karkosh; sister, Carol Loher; brother-in-law, Jim Loher; brothers, Jack Houtman and Dave Houtman, and parents Harold and Henrietta Houtman.
He is survived by his children, Lynda (Bill Troutman) Gravier, Carmen (Steve) Berens, Sarah Karkosh, Bryan (Heather) Houtman; 11 grandchildren, Anna Gravier (Matthew) Symmes, Kevin Gravier, Molly Gravier, Amanda Teske (Nawaf Althari), Morgan Teske, Tyler Berens, Kyle Karkosh, Shane (Maddie) Karkosh, Alison (Daniel) Callahan, Kennedy (Jeremy) Hill, and Ryan Houtman; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Diane Houtman, Kathy Houtman, and Julie Meiste; and extended family.
Paul’s legacy of laughter, patience, and innovation will live on through his family and the many other lives that he touched.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Pillar Church, 57 East 10th St, Holland, MI 49423.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul’s honor to fund dementia research at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development at Western Michigan University. at www.libd.org.
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