Gerald Houston was born April 24, 1922 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Myron and Reika (Watkins) Houston. On October 8, 1947, he married Cecelia Buechel at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Fort Madison, Iowa. He was a 1939 graduate of Denmark Academy High School. Gerald was a WWII veteran, serving with the US Army 12th Armored Division during the invasion of Germany. After the war, he served a year of occupation duty in Austria. When he returned home, he attended Veteran's trade school for young farmers and studied farming technologies. Gerald was a life-time farmer and also worked as a commercial fisherman for many years. He enjoyed hunting of all types, especially coyote hunting, cattle auctions and working on the farm. He liked to listen to the Chicago Cubs on his radio and in his later years, he enjoyed spending an occasional afternoon at Catfish Bend Casino.

At 88 years of age, Gerald died at 9:55 am Tuesday June 8, 2010 at the West Point Care Center, West Point, Iowa. He is survived by his wife Cecelia Houston, of Fort Madison, Iowa; two daughters: Carol (husband Bob) Peitz, of Houghton, Iowa; Linda (husband Larry) Menke, of West Point, Iowa; three sons: Jerry (wife Carol) Houston; Jeff (wife Paula) Houston; and Rex (wife Jennifer) Houston, all of Fort Madison, Iowa; eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Jean.

Per his request the body of Mr. Houston has been cremated. Friends may call after 2:00 pm Thursday June 10, 2010 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, Iowa where family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Thursday evening. Private family graveside services with military rites will be conducted by the Fort Madison Veterans Honor Guard at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for the Denmark Fire and Rescue, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel.