Dana Wayne Houghtaling of Doland passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Huron Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the Doland Methodist Church in Doland at 11:00 A.M. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Doland Cemetery. Friends and family are all welcome to attend a time of fellowship and a meal following burial at the church. Visitation was held the evening prior, Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Furness Funeral Home in Clark, from 5:00 P.M. until 7 P.M.
Dana was born January 14, 1930, to Wayne and Viola (Thompson) Houghtaling. He attended country school in Union Township and High School in Doland, graduating in 1951. Dana married his high school sweetheart Carol Starr on October 28, 1951. Shortly after their marriage, Dana and Carol moved to San Diego, Calif., where Dana served in the U.S. Navy as a dental technician. Following his discharge in 1954, they returned to the Houghtaling farm.
Dana was a lifelong farmer who took great pride in everything related to the farm. He took meticulous care of John Deere tractors and vehicles; they were always cleaned up at the end of the day. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren; afternoon fishing trips were always a hit. Dana served on the Doland School Board, Union Township Board and the Spink County FSA Committee. He was a long-time member of the LaDelle and Doland Methodist Churches. Dana was a great storyteller and enjoyed sharing a new joke or story with everyone. Dana and Carol enjoyed hosting and attending dance and card parties with friends. In later years, they enjoyed square dancing in Frankfurt. Dana and Carol also enjoyed traveling on many bus tours and cruises.
Dana is survived by his two sons: Larry of Yale and Jan (Kylene) of Doland as well as seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carol, a sister Gloria and brother-in-law, Lloyd Liken.
