Fem was born in Hartley, Iowa to John and Catharina (Wolterstorff) Dekker. She moved with her family to the LA area during the depression where she met her husband of 56 years, John Van Houten. They lived most of their lives in Escalon. Fem is preceded in death by her husband, her brothers Nicholas (Judy) and Peter (Norma) Dekker and granddaughter, Alison Freeseha. She is survived by her brothers, John (Loree) and Richard (Lavina) Dekker and sisters Cornelia (Richard) Eskes and Hilda (Marinus) Goalswyk. Fem and John had four children: Carolyn Thomas (Charles), Adrian Van Houten (Valerie), Martin Van Houten (Tina) and Fern Kobes (Richard).
Fem was a devout Christian, serving God and the Escalon Christian Reformed diligently. She served in Bible studies, nurseries, vacation bible school, Release time and the Service Guild. She cleaned houses for many families in Escalon but now rests in the arms of Jesus.
She was a special grandma to Tom, Abby, Jeff, Kyle, Alison, Chad, Janna, Lindsey, Katrina, Rachel and Daniel. And a special great grandma to Kaylee, Matthew, Lena, Amara, Toren, Conner, Kendall, Brynn, Amelia, Moriah, Alannah and Boaz. Deegan Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Van Houten family. A memorial service was held on Friday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church. Interment followed at 2 p.m. at Burwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethany Home; 930 West Main St., Ripon, CA 95366.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Feb. 1, 2017