Obituary of Neal Houbolt

Neal Houbolt Age 92. Peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2014 at home with his family at his side. Born October 16, 1921, he was one of four children of John and Hendrika (nee Van Ingen) Houbolt, and a lifelong Joliet area resident. He was an ensign on a U.S. Navy Mine Sweeper Ship during World War II. Neal was a goal oriented, success driven entrepreneur in the manufacturing field. He owned and operated companies in the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico. His ownership of the J.E. Messsenger Company, along with his wife and mother-in-law, created an environment for the business to flourish. From there was born Jemco Insulated Wire, Interstate Wire Corp., Assemblies or Kords and Jemco Engineering Company. A member of the Joliet Regional Port Authority. Neal's last venture was to purchase Oak Lawn Harley Davidson. Neal bought Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson on Feb. 13, 1998 and oversaw his daughter, Joy, and son-in law, Dave Tinsman, along with arguably the best Harley salesman already working there, Mike "Uncle Mike" Sanko, as his partners managing the business. Neal was appreciated and respected by all of the employees, their families, customers, and the members of the Oak Lawn Hog Chapter. He always instilled the value and the principle of customer satisfaction with all of his staff. He was also very supportive of many charities such as The Manteno Veterans Run, Illinois Freedom Run to benefit our soldiers and their families, The Hope Children's Hospital affiliated with Christ Hospital, Breast Cancer organizations, Big Bikes & Little Tykes, the Joliet Area Historical Museum and so many more. The dealership became a family run business. Daughter Susan joined shortly after purchasing the business, followed by his daughter Nancy to help and assist him, and later, his son Neal completed the family circle. Other family members and good friends were also always included to help at our events. Neal, along with his loving wife, Nancy, enjoyed going to all of the Oak Lawn events, especially the Pancake Breakfast's at Oak Lawn and at the Lewis University Airport. He loved meeting new bike owners, talking with anyone, and helping in any way he could. We all loved working there, but in November, 2010 we all made the decision to sell the business. We all enjoyed almost 13 years there, together growing, working with great employees and meeting new people. He and Mumzie spent many happy times riding their Harley and enjoying all of their extended Harley family. Neal's greatest loves in life were surrounding himself with the love of his family and friends, his pursuit of business and professional excellence and piloting his Beechcraft King Air 350 and Cessna Citation Jet as pilot in command, but most fulfilled when accompanied by his son Neal by his side navigating across the country. It brings our family solice to know that Neal no longer needs his airplane to fly. Preceded by his beloved wife, the love of his life, Nancy Belle "Mumzie" (nee Messenger) Houbolt (2012); his son, Stuart John Houbolt (1995). His parents, one sister Mary Jones. Survived by two sons, Van Houbolt of Crest Hill and Neal (Kathy) Houbolt, Jr. of Plainfield; four daughters, Nancy (Edward) Vanderhoof of Joliet, Susan (John) Gullicksen of Joliet, Joy (Dave) Tinsman of New Lenox and Mary (Jeff) Lohmar of Sandwich, IL; nine grandchildren, Russell Vanderhoof, Kristi (Thomas) Szum, Rachel and Tanner Gullicksen, Lauren and Megan Houbolt, Kyle and Logan Lohmar, and John David Houbolt; three great-grandchildren, Brianna and Colby Vanderhoof and Ema Lynn Szum; one sister, Irene (the late Jim) Coonan of Texas; and one brother, John C. (Mary) Houbolt of Portland Maine. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, his beloved puppy, Halle, and cat, Harley, also survive. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Karen, Loretta and Diane for the professional loving care that our late mother and dad received from them. Neal's administrative assistant, Jori Printz, your kindness, compassion and dedication will never be forgotten. To his devoted friend, sidekick, right hand man, "JR" and a host of other titles, Conrad Thompson, "we could not have done this without you." Funeral services for Neal Houbolt will be Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, Rev. Jim McGuire, officiating. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Memorials in his name to Joliet Area Community Hospice in his memory would be appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. For information (815) 741-5500