Nancy Laurette Houlahan

Nancy Houlahan was the cornerstone of her family—a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who brought generations together through her steady presence and care. Her legacy lives on in the family she and John built, the memories they shared and the love she expressed through a lifetime of being there.

Born March 5, 1947, in Waterloo, Iowa, to Dale and Viola Jackson, Nancy grew up on a family farm in Clutier, Iowa. She met John Houlahan in Marion, Iowa, where they married on July 4, 1970. They raised three children—Carrie, Doug and Anne—and made homes in Marion, Davenport, Spencer and Sioux City before moving to Willmar, Minnesota, in 1992.

After graduating from Iowa State University, Nancy worked as a registered dietitian and would go on to hold roles in banking and health care. She retired in 2011 as executive director of the West Central Association of Realtors. That year, she and John returned to Sioux City to watch their granddaughter Kelsey play college basketball.

Nancy took an active interest in all her grandchildren’s lives, especially enjoying their sporting events. She and John became great-grandparents in 2017, beginning another cherished chapter as their family continued to grow.

Nancy enjoyed word games, crafts and following current political events. She treasured her close relationship with her only sister, Linda Taber, and the interests they shared. Always willing to help, Nancy prepared meals, organized busy households and lent a hand with projects large and small. Whether making the drive to a game or helping with an everyday task, she showed her love by being there.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John Houlahan; her daughter, Carrie Hargrave, and her husband, Eric; her son, Doug Houlahan, and his wife, Angie; her daughter, Anne Towslee, and her husband, Nathan; and her sister, Linda Taber.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stephanie Adamek and her husband, Tanner; Kelsey Pauly and her husband, Michael; Lauren Houlahan; Brady Houlahan; Ryan Houlahan; Evan Smith; Deklin Towslee; and Conan Towslee. Her great-grandchildren are Carter, Trey and Lincoln Adamek and Savvy, Quincy and Campbell Pauly.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Viola Jackson, and her brother-in-law, Paul Taber.

Her legacy lives on in the family she and John built, the traditions they shared and the everyday acts of care her loved ones carry forward.

Celebration of life to be held Monday, November 2, at Pinstripes in Edina, 3849 Gallagher Dr, from 11AM-2PM. Ceremony to take place from 11A-12PM, followed by a reception with food until 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bloomington Kennedy volleyball program. See details below.