Russell VanHouten Obituary

Russell "Buzz" Dunn VanHouten Jr., 81, passed away peacefully at home Friday, July 4, 2025, holding the hand of his loving wife, Tracy.
Buzz was born March 5, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Russell and Claire (nee Tanner) VanHouten. Buzz and his family moved to Grosse Pointe when he was a child. He attended Austin Catholic Preparatory School in Detroit and then graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, Okla. He attended Villanova University until he was drafted. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and served in Hawaii.
After being honorably discharged, Buzz continued to live in Hawaii until he returned to Detroit to care for his aging parents. He began a successful decades-long radio career in sales and management at Detroit's premier radio stations, including WABX, WJR, WRIF, WLLZ and 97.1 the Ticket.
In 1985, Buzz met the love of his life, Tracy Stewart. They were married six months later on Valentine's Day 1986. They welcomed their son, RD, April 19, 1988. RD was the joy of their life. Sadly, RD passed away Dec. 11, 2019.
After a prolific career in radio, Buzz went on to work in the digital space, which kept him engaged and relevant until his passing.
Buzz enjoyed Tracy's gourmet dinners, golf, boating, reading and being with friends and family. He was a wonderful storyteller, great confidant and wise old sage. Buzz was trustworthy and loyal always.
Buzz will be dearly missed by his wife of 40 years, Tracy; and his dog, Happy Gilmore. He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Wendy Yancy (Verbon); and nieces and nephews, Alexandra, Dillon, Richie (Natalie), Elaine, Karen, Tessa (Jason) and Cindy (Edgar). Buzz was predeceased by his son, RD; brother, Pete VanHouten; sister, Pat Streiff; niece, Laura Boucher; and brother-in-law, Richard Stewart.
Visitation will occur from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 14, at Chas. Verheyden Inc., 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park. The family will receive guests at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, until the 11 a.m. memorial service at First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, 800 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to 4 Paws 1 Heart, 4paws1heart.org/donations.