Condolence: Dear Mrs. Houghton, I just learned of your husband's passing; I'm so sorry; I did not know Mr. Houghton from school or band but my parents and I attended many of your ice cream socials at your lovely 7th Ave. home along with your neighbors, Joe and Lida Hindley; this has brought back many special memories as I have recently lost both my parents, Arnold and Lois Larsen, who spent their entire life in Kenosha. I was also in your shorthand class. I am now married and living in Bend, Oregon. My sympathies to you and your family.

Condolence: Dear Houghtons, I was saddened by the news of Mr. Houghton's passing. It has been many years since seeing your family but the number of ways that Ralph had touched my life are great. Currently, I am still teaching music outside of Evansville, Indiana (Newburgh)and the learning experience of growing up in the Kenosha music scene will always be with me. From a beginner in Band-O-Rama, to Choir festivals, to student teaching while Ralph was Director of Music in Kenosha, to helping choreograph "Shows-a-poppin" at St. Marks, it was great working with him. Mr. Houghton was an awesome force for music education in Wisconsin and I am glad and proud to have known him. I am thankful that he helped to foster the great passion for music in my life. My sympathy and prayers are with your entire family. Sincerely, Melanie Hansen Champion

Condolence: Mary and family, We are so sorry to hear about the recent passing of your father. If there is anything we can do, please feel free to ask. Phyllis Metalo Julie Pelkowski

Condolence: My deepest wishes for peace in your loss.

Condolence: In the movie, "Mr. Holland's Opus", a student who squeeked and squawked her way through trying to play her instrument, got through it with Mr. Holland's persistance,guidance, patience, love and teaching. He let her know that she could succeed. She later became Governor and at Mr. Holland's retirement said,"Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each one of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony, Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. And we are the music of your life." Mr. Houghton, the Kenosha music students of the past, present and future, are Your Symphony, we are Your Opus and we love you for all you have done for music in Kenosha and in our hearts.

Condolence: To Jane and the beautiful Houghton family: We drove back from Hurley, WI and will be at the mass today. Our love and sympathy to you all. We remain forever inspired by Ralph and Jane Houghton.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to you. Mr Houghton (yes, that is how so many of us know him) affected more lives than you will ever know. Music is important to so many people who were students in Kenosha only because of the effort, commitment, and passion for music that Mr Houghton so enthusiastically and tirelessly shared with Kenosha. We were so fortunate to have him as a part of our community. I remember the Ice Cream Socials on your lawn, the piccolos standing during the Stars and Stripes Forever at Band-o-rama (what a great name, by the way!), the bandmembers standing so still during inspection at Round-Up, and all the summer bands that would march in the parades. This exposure to music at an early age was invaluable and got me going on a lifetime of music appreciation. What a tremendous legacy this man has left to generations of Kenoshans. He will be missed.

Condolence: With deepest sympathies to the Houghton Family, The most vivid memories I have of my childhood are waking up on a summers morning to the distant sound of the Bradford drum line coming down 65th and turning on to 3 Ave. I would throw my clothes on quickly and race out to meet them as they got to Eichelman park. I would follow the band as far as my parents would allow, which was usually right about your house. I could still tell you what were my favorite pieces the band played, Latina was it? And could probably reenact most of the field drill Bradford performed at Round up. To this day I still love marching bands and I didn't even go to Bradford, I was at St. Joe's with the weakest band in history. I wasn't even in Mr Houghton's school district and yet he affected my life profoundly. We waited excitedly every summer for the ice cream social, what a wonderful way to bring the community together. Mr Houghton was an invaluable asset to Kenosha and an inspiration to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Annie Heller Wetherbee

Condolence: I was very surprised to hear of Ralph's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Houghton Family. I will never forget Ralph's zest for life, and I will never forget what my dad said about him. "He was the kind of boss who would not just give orders from the sidelines and watch everyone else work. He would take down the chairs after Band O Rama right next to the band directors." Kenosha and the world of music education just lost an icon. We are all better off having known Ralph Houghton and his wonderful family.

Condolence: Dear Houghton Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy over the loss of your beloved Ralph. He touched my life through the orchestra program at K U S D. I will forever be grateful to Ralph for giving me the opportunity to receive violin lessons at school. I have enjoyed playing my violin for over 40 years and hope to continue for a long time to come! Because of Ralph, I was able to give my love of music to my own children; two play the violin, and the third was in choir. Because of Ralph, I was able to be a part of the Kenosha Orchestra Boosters Organization for 10 years, holding the positions of vice-president and president. Because of Ralph, my life has been blessed. Thank you, Ralph! Your work will not be forgotten! May God bless and comfort you, Linda (Bashinsky) Ziesemer Bradford Class of '76 (I have a feeling that somewhere in Heaven can be heard..."Hey, lets have a music festival...")

Condolence: I got to know Ralph 6 or 7 years ago.I saw him and his wife Jane on a regular basis.At no time did he tell me that he was a veteran or a POW.At no time did he tell me that he is an icon.I cannot believe that a human being can be so humble and unassuming.As the saying goes"it is nice to be important but more important to be nice".Ralph's focus was centered around the health and welfare of his wife.What a remarkable human being.I will miss him

Condolence: I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the entire Houghton Family. The opportunities provided as the result Ralph's work in the Kenosha schools during my time at Bradford HS profoundly changed the course of my life and the lives of many generations of many people. As the Director of Music in a school district in Connecticut, I often tell people from Kenosha that I am the "Ralph Houghton" of the school district that I am working in. I didn't know it at the time, but he was a role model and mentor to me in where my life's path has eventually lead me. If I can only make a fraction of the positive difference that Ralph made in the lives of people, I will consider myself successful. I am forever grateful for the quality education that I received under his leadership. His work and legacy will live on.

Condolence: Mary and the entire Houghton Family, Please accept our deepest condolences on the death of your father. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. As your dad helps orchestrate Heavenly music, we thank you for sharing your dad with so many in Kenosha and all over the world for so many years! May God hold you all close at this time.

Condolence: Only fond memories of this fine man. My sisters, brother and I were in band and had the wonderful opportunity to be in such a fine program. It's hard to believe that the Houghton family would allow thousands of people into their backyard for the ice cream socials! At my last class reunion, so many of us viewed the best times in high school as being a part of the Bradford Marching Band. To the Houghton family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. You were blessed to have him for 89 years. We were all blessed to have him in our lives. He really made such a difference to so many people.

Condolence: You will be missed by more people than you could ever realize. You will be remembered and honored for many years to come.

Condolence: Ralph and George were great friends for many years and shared lots of good times together, especially on the tennis courts. He and Jane always hosted special Christmas gatherings at heir home and we always looked forward to seeing the new additions to the miniature holiday village which Ralph set up each year. He was one of a kind and will always be missed. My sympathy to you, Jane, and your wonderful family. Nan Pollard

Condolence: Mr Houghton was a man of many talents, he got into the hearts and souls of all the children that had the honor to know him... No words can really comfort the Houhgton Family right now. But please know my deepest prayers and wishes are always with you. May God give you the strength to overcome this pain.

Condolence: During the three short years I served as Superintendent of Schools in the Kenosha School District, I was constantly amazed by the tenacity with which Ralph pursued improving the already superior music programs which he directed. He was truly an inspiration to me of a truly dedicated administrator. I am certain that his leadership inspired thousands of music students that he served. You, the members of his family, should be especially proud of the example he provided for his fellow educators. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

Condolence: A sad day, indeed. As the last of the Becker family to have been involved in the music program in Kenosha, I can say that we all feel like we've lost a member of our family. My parents Frank and Ruth Becker were old friends of the Houghton family from the earliest days of the Band Boosters, and the memories we all made in the music program could fill a book. From the thrill of watching the American flags paraded for the momentous renditions of Stars And Stripes Forever – to the annual gathering in the Houghton's backyard for some pie and ice cream, with the strings of yellow lightbulbs overhead, the memories created with Ralph's crackling voice in the background are vivid still. Thank you to the Houghton Family for sharing your dad with us all over the years. He's a treasure and he will surely be missed, but his memory will live on forever with all of the beautiful things he's done in this lifetime.

Condolence: Ralph what can you say about him? He's one of few People in my life that made a difference! It was him that provided the outlet in my life that later gave me the skills to procede into the Music World! I can remember meeting him for the first time and shaking in my shoes! He demanded the Best and would not settle for 2nd Best! That's way the Music Program in Kenosha was the envy Nationwide! That's why many will come and go but there will never be another "Ralph Houghton" God Bless!

Condolence: Words can't even begin to describe the number of people that Ralph touched in his days on this Earth. I know that deep in my heart that I'm a better person for knowing Ralph, and all of you family members. I knew both Mary and Steve from high school. Participating in the Kenosha band programs from Beginner through Bradford Bands taught me so much about life, and how precious it is....and to live and to love each day to the fullest. I remember all of those ice cream socials there at your home; also, the parades, and even Great Lakes Band Championships (a.k.a Round-Up). They were all so special to me. All because of Ralph. Also, all of the set-ups and tear-downs at Band-O-Rama at Carthage. Mr. Houghton could get volunteers with just a smile. It was infectious. It was a privilege to help out, and to participate in these wonderful events. Even after Ralph retired, my two children were a part of the wonderful music programs in Kenosha, in band, choir, and orchestra, for Ralph had his hand in all three programs! Kenosha, WI was put on the map because of tireless efforts of Ralph Houghton. I am proud to have known such a wonderful person, and am very sorry for your loss. May God comfort all of you, because Ralph will be missed. Sincerely, Rick Ritacca New Berlin, WI

Condolence: My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Houghton's family (I can't call him Ralph, I just can't - he was always Mr. Houghton to me). The immeasurable treasures he and the rest of the family gifted Kenosha kids and families with will live on forever. The ice cream socials at their house were a prime example of Mr. and Mrs. Houghton's willingness to open their hearts and hearth to the community, and just the thought of those "Houghton Years" evokes such powerful and positive memories for me. It wasn't until I got out in the world outside Kenosha, though, that I realized the enormity of the contributions he made. I had naively assumed that every town and city surely had a music program and a Mr. Houghton of its own. What an awakening when I realized that not everyone got to have Doc Severinsen, Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, John Williams, Harvey Phillips, Vaclav Nelhybel, etc., etc. show up for concerts and workshops. Thank you, Mr Music, for your legacy of music, and keep those diagonals good where you're going . . .

Condolence: My sincere condolences to Jane and the entire family. Ralph certainly was a great man, band director, husband, father and mentor. When I think of the original Ice Cream Socials on the Houghton front lawn, original Band-O-Ramas, and all the fun and get togethers of the first Band Boosters.... it just brings tears to my eyes. I am privileged to have known Ralph, Jane and all of their kids. I called Ralph and Jane about 8 or 9 years ago after having picked my trumpet back up after a 35 year lay-off and told them I'm having the time of my life playing again. I'm glad we had that conversation.. they both sounded wonderful... I miss Ralph already... All my best to the Houghton family..

Condolence: Through the goodness of Bob Loss, we learned last night of Ralph Houghton's death. Our prayers and sympathy are extended to Jane and her family.Interesting enough, we think, Diane and I had just talked about Ralph the evening before we learned of his death. We attended a high school band concert where we live in San Antonio. We'd bet Ralph would have enjoyed the school concerts we've attended here. Excellent music programs here reminded us of Ralph and Kenosha music programs. God bless and keep you in His love, Jane, in this difficult time. Diane & Al Schumacher

Condolence: Ralph was a great man. He and my father Richard Gaarder worked tirelessly to push music education in our schools forward to be a state that is admired for it dedicated music teachers and students throughout the country. He was quick with a joke and had a hearty laugh that was infectious to all around him. Ralph you will be missed. Peter(DINK)

Condolence: As former Supt. of KUSD, Dr. John Hosmanek so wonderfully said, "Ralph was a one man Irishfest." The joy, music and happiness Ralph Houghton brought to everyone will be missed by our entire community. What he did for Kenosha, as well as for our music program and education of our children will forever be a part of Kenosha's history. Thanks to the entire Houghton family for sharing him with us for so many years. All the music greats that have passed before him finally have their "Music Man" to direct them in the grande finale. Our "Music Man" will now be leading a lot more than "76 Trombones in the Big Parade......." We love you Ralph !

Condolence: I was one of those young music teachers fortunate enough to have had an opportunity to teach in Kenosha during the "Houghton Years". Having been retired for a decade I look back at that experience as one of unlimited opportunity and still maintain contact with many former students who recall the wonderful experiences of those years. While Ralph Houghton will be missed, the memories of the thousands of students who had marvelous musical experiences under his management will never be lost. My condolences to Jane and their children.

Condolence: I was very lucky to have been in the Rambler and Bradford bands during the Houghton years. I remember well the excitement of the band competitions, the friendships formed with fellow band members, the ice-cream socials held in the Houghtons' backyard, and the pride I felt being a part of the outstanding Kenosha music program. Mr. Houghton was at the center of it all forever caring about the kids and providing us with a character-building experience to last a lifetime. He was a dedicated and much-loved educator, and I am grateful to him for making my teen years special. My prayers are with the Houghtons at this difficult time.

Condolence: Ralph Houghton was one of the most important people in my life. He hired me to direct the Lincoln Junior High School Band and then put me at Bradford High School where I began to mature under his watchful eye.Ralph got me involved in the State Music Educators group and encourage me to be the best I could be. However, more than anything else, he was always a pillar of integrity and warmth for me even in my darkest hours. Ralph will always remain the strength of my life. May God bless Jane and family. My love and condolences for the loss of such a wonderful and giving man. Ralph, you will always be in my heart.

Condolence: Dearest Family Members of Ralph Houghton: Please accept my heartfelt sentiments of sadness upon hearing of Ralph's passing. Many have said it already: he was one of the most remarkable people to have given so much to countless numbers of "K Town" young people who lived and breathed the music program that he directed. From Band-O-Rama to his Ice Cream Socials to his support for the All-State Band and Jazz Ensemble competitions, Ralph was always there to urge us to attain the best possible results....and to love the music we played. No matter where I have been in life since 1971, I will always remember the music of the Kenosha Public School system, and the talented leaders that Ralph brought forth to teach us. My humble thanks to Ralph, and my promise to never forget him. Jeff Douglass - Bradford '71