Garvis G. Houck

Garvis G. Houck, pharmacist and businessman, 81, of Mason City, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn.  Memorial services were held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City, with Pastor Dan Gerrietts officiating.  Inurnment was in the Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the Garvis Houck Memorial Fund in care of the family.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. 

  Garvis Gordon Houck was born Nov. 24, 1932, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Gordon and Thelma (Tanner) Houck.  Garvis graduated from The University of Iowa in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Dasher on Sept. 12, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Keota, Iowa.  He owned and operated Houck Pharmacy in both Mason City and Clear Lake.  Later he opened a business, 123 Dollar Store, in the former Clear Lake location.  Garvis practiced pharmacy for 52 years.  Garvis was a hard worker and enjoyed helping people with their healthcare.  He especially enjoyed compounding.  

Garvis was a member of the PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America), Rotary Club and Trinity Lutheran Church.  He liked all types of tractors, farming, cars, horses and hitting golf balls at the driving range.  Most of all, Garvis had a great love for his family.  He was a husband, father, grandfather and friend to anyone in need.  He will be deeply missed.

  Garvis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Houck, of Mason City; his children, Leigh Ann O’Neil and husband, William, of St. Louis, Mo., Jill Houck, of Houston, Texas, and Hillary Lunning and her husband, Michael, of Mason City; grandchildren, Jennifer Tepper and husband, Gregory, Gregory O’Neil, Lauren Lunning and Emily Lunning. 

Major Erickson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.