Wilford Marion Houchin

Sigurd, Utah - Our beloved hero, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Wilford Marion Houchin returned to Heaven on December 13, 2025. Wilford was born April 14,1944 in Kelliher, Minnesota to his loving parents Donald Hugh and Alice Gertrude Adams Houchin, the fourth of seven children. He spent his childhood on the family farm, milking cows by hand, digging potatoes and all the other chores that keep a farm running. He said there was always work that needed to be done. 

Wilford always wanted to be a cowboy. At 16 years old he left home for Montana and lived his childhood dream of cowboying. He worked several different ranches until Uncle Sam drafted him to serve in the United States Army in Vietnam. His passion for horses and the cowboy way of life shaped the man he became, he was proud to pass that love on to his sons and grandchildren and many precious memories were made raising colts, riding horses, working cows. 

In 1966 Wilford came home on leave and met the love of his life, his “Suz,” they were married March 22, 1968. Together they raised three sons Chad Wilford, Vern Loren, and Ryan Donald. Later in life Wilford was able to meet his oldest son, Wilford Marion “Willy,” who was born while Wilford was serving in Vietnam. Upon meeting Willy, Wilford expressed that his family was now finally complete. 

In 1988 Wilford took a job in Utah picking up the old railroad. He fell in love with the beautiful, rugged country and moved his family here. He and Sue started Houchin Trucking, a successful business they ran together until he retired. Trucking was a big part of their lives. Wilford mentored and helped many others get their start in trucking, including his own boys. He was always willing to help someone else with advice, tools, or a place to fix a truck. Many “safety meetings” were held in the shop and lots of memories made there. 

Wilford loved camping, hunting, riding horses, working on trucks, telling a good story and sharing a drink with his boys, grandkids, or friends. He was the life of the party and was loved by everyone who knew him. He had a very special bond with each of his grandchildren, and loved spending time with them, passing on his knowledge and helping them with their own projects.

In the last few years Wilford and Sue became snowbirds, spending the winter months in Arizona where it was warm. They had many fun adventures exploring and making wonderful friends there. 

Wilford is survived by his loving wife Susan, his sons Willy, Vern (Lisa), and Ryan (Adrienne), daughter in law Jadie (Chris Mietchen), 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, his brothers Allen (Caroline), Donley (Dalene), and Arlene Houchin, brother and sister in laws Becky and Slim Carlson, Pat Benson, Jim and Cheryl Ungerecht, Al and Diane Ungerecht, Percy and Kathy Ungerecht, many nephews, nieces and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Alice Houchin, in laws Vern and Wilma Ungerecht, his son Chad, granddaughter Hallee, sisters Donna and Marie, and his brother Leroy.

Cremation services are under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.