Archived Services

Trenton Allen Houk
01-10-2024

Trenton Allen Houk was born February 7, 1971, in North Platte, Nebraska to Kenneth Marvin Houk and Marcia Lee (Martin) Houk. Trent attended school in Custer, South Dakota all his years of elementary into high school. He loved everything there was to live the ranch life in the Black Hills, from horseback riding all the days long with his amazing dog (Doc Holiday) or with his mom or helping his dad with a share of the hard work. He not only lived in and loved the Black Hills, but he cared for it as well in his life-long career as an arborist. He started out with Wilson Tree Service in 1992, moving to other companies and then had his own Black Hills Tree Service company for many years.

Trent never cared much for a slow or boring life; he enjoyed the thrill of it whenever and however he could. When he was younger it was mostly with skydiving and had thousands of jumps (and stories) to tell how incredible it was. As he got older and thought he should slow down a bit, he purchased his dream motorcycle, a brand-new Triumph Speedmaster Bonneville. He loved the wind in the hair and his sweet little girl, Cassie Jeanne, with him.

After the ice storms in 2013, Trent came to Sioux Falls. There he met and fell in love with Sara Jeanne (Spisak). They were married in a ceremony June 7, 2014 (again Oct. 6, 2014, and again in March 2015- you know, just to be sure!). Trent and Sara had an instant connection and family. They raised the kids instilling the same hard-working values he learned from his own parents and many years ranching.

Trent made sure we could play just as hard as we worked and always had fun times for all of us- taking the kids to MLB or NFL games, horse track racing, to Lego Land, and especially to an all favorite of camping. Trent was always ready with stacks of firewood so we could enjoy the best campfires. The biggest thrill of his life were the kids. He loved teaching the boys how to work on cars, watching football (especially Ethan’s games), showing them how to ride dirt bikes and quads, along with going fishing. He was smitten with his little ‘ol Cassie Jeanne and ready to play at a moment’s notice too.

He loved to make the family a big ‘ol Saturday morning I-Hop like breakfast for everyone. We’re thankful Trent shared his life and love with us.

Trent was preceded in death by his parents: Marvin and Marcia; brother: Jason; and sister-in-law: Laura. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife: Sara Jeanne; bonus sons: Ethan, Preston, and daughter: Cassie Jeanne (Sioux Falls, SD); his brother: Larry (Portland, OR); sister: Melody (Vancouver, WA); and brother: Scott (Hill City, SD).

He will forever be missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 7, 1:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home with a time of sharing at 3:00 PM.