Dr. Stephen Van Houten

Stephen Van Houten, 83, beloved father, grandfather and brother, passed away on October 3, 2024, at his home in Sun City West, Arizona. He was born on April 26, 1941, in Hampton, Iowa to Virgle and Johanna Van Houten. He had a distinguished medical career as a radiologist for thirty-seven years. Stephen spent most of his life in Iowa – a place that he loved and cherished. Stephen was voted “best all around” in Junior High. He was the student body president at Mason City High School where he also lettered in football and basketball. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1959. From Mason City, Stephen headed to the University of Iowa where he attended both undergraduate school, medical school, and later, did his radiology training. As an undergraduate, he was elected and served as the President of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. His contributions to Phi Kappa Psi also earned him the fraternity’s top honor as the Solon E. Summerfield award winner. He stayed active with Phi Kappa Psi as an alumnus and his efforts were instrumental in rebuilding the fraternity following a catastrophic fire. As an undergraduate student he was a member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Rho Chi scholastic honorary societies. Stephen was the president of his freshman pharmacy class and graduated with honors with a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1963. Stephen graduated from the University of Iowa Medical School in 1967. He went on to intern at the Los Angeles County, University of Southern California Medical Center from 1967-1968. He then received his radiology training at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from 1968 to 1971. Stephen was Board Certified as a radiologist in 1972. Stephen served on active duty with the United States Navy from 1971-1973 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He was proud of his service, was a member of the American Legion and always supported military causes. Stephen joined the McFarland Clinic in Ames, Iowa in 1973 and started the Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy Departments and expanded the special procedures department. During his years at the McFarland Clinic, he served a term as President of the Iowa Radiology Society. Stephen was a State Representative for the Iowa Chapter of the American College of Radiology for several years. He also served as Secretary and President of the Story County Medical Society. Stephen was elected a Fellow of the American College of Radiology in 1992. He served on the McFarland Clinic Board of Directors for three years. Stephen retired from practicing medicine in 2009. Stephen donated his time and money to many charitable efforts and served on the Board and was an Officer of the Story County Red Cross Society. Stephen later returned to Mason City and spent several summers living on Clear Lake as a snowbird between Iowa and Arizona. He always loved his hometown and was a tremendous ambassador, storyteller and tour guide for friends and family who visited the Mason City/Clear Lake area. The Surf Ballroom, the Frank Lloyd Wright designed hotel and homes, Music Man Square, and the Veteran’s Monument in Central Park were his favorite local highlights. Notwithstanding his numerous accomplishments, Stephen is most remembered for his humility, kindness and generosity. He was a devoted father and loved being a grandfather. He had great relationships with his siblings and enjoyed many good times with his brothers. He was a knowledgeable and enthusiastic sports fan and one of the rare individuals who cheered for both Iowa and Iowa State because of his time spent in both cities. He was affable, easy going and was fortunate to have a long list of good friends. Stephen is survived by his son Lance Van Houten and daughter Libby Limoni, daughter-in-law Sara Van Houten, son-in-law Scott Limoni; and his seven grandchildren: Soren Van Houten, Kate Van Houten, Stella Van Houten, Gavin Limoni, Levi Limoni, Maya Limoni and Genevieve Limoni. He is also survived by his brother Jeff Van Houten, sister Signe Durnin, and sisters-in-law Pam Van Houten and Eileen Van Houten. He is predeceased by his parents and by his brothers Mike Van Houten and Lee Van Houten. A Memorial Service will be held at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 N.E. Third Street; Mason City, Iowa at 10:30 a.m. on November 16, 2024. We invite all who knew and loved Stephen to join us in honoring his life and legacy.