In Loving Memory of Joseph “Joey” Daniel Houk (February 23, 2009 – June 13, 2025)
UNITY, WI — A Small Town Grieves the Heartbreaking Loss of a Beloved Son, Friend, and Student
The quiet village of Unity, Wisconsin, is cloaked in mourning as it faces the sudden and devastating loss of one of its own. On Friday, June 13, 2025, sixteen-year-old Joseph “Joey” Daniel Houk’s life was tragically cut short, leaving behind a wave of sorrow and disbelief that has swept through not only Unity, but also neighboring towns such as Colby, Abbotsford, and Medford. In communities where every face is familiar and every story is shared, the passing of someone so young — so vibrant — strikes especially hard.
Joey was a sophomore at Colby High School, known among peers and teachers as a young man full of laughter, energy, and an incredible heart. He was one of those rare individuals who seemed to radiate positivity, someone who could light up a room with his smile or turn a tough day around with a single joke. His classmates describe him as “the kind of friend everyone wanted” — someone who never hesitated to offer help, lend an ear, or simply sit with someone who needed company.
His unexpected passing has left a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, and neighbors — an absence that no amount of time will truly fill. Yet even in this overwhelming grief, Joey’s memory continues to offer comfort. Those who knew him speak not just of the sorrow of his loss, but of the immense joy and love he brought into their lives.
A Life That Touched So Many
Born on February 23, 2009, in Medford, Wisconsin, Joey was the beloved son of Andrew and Katie Houk. As the middle child of three, he held a unique role in his family — both a little brother and a big brother — and he wore those roles with pride and affection. His parents recall a boy who was endlessly curious, often asking questions about how things worked, why the stars moved, or how to fix a tractor engine. From a young age, Joey showed a remarkable ability to combine a playful spirit with a deep and thoughtful heart.
He had a natural knack for working with his hands. Whether it was helping his dad in the garage or learning how to operate farm equipment, Joey approached every task with determination and a willingness to learn. That hardworking spirit followed him into his teenage years, where he balanced school, work, and friendships with incredible grace.
But Joey’s true strength was found in his relationships. He was deeply loyal to his friends and endlessly devoted to his family. His love for his niece and nephew was especially touching — he treated them not just like relatives, but like best friends. He often spent afternoons building forts, racing toy cars, or making up silly songs just to hear them laugh.
At School: A Personality That Couldn’t Be Missed
At Colby High School, Joey made a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. Teachers remember him as respectful, witty, and always ready with a quick comeback or a helping hand. He wasn’t the loudest in the room, but his presence was always felt — whether it was during group projects, football practice, or just passing through the hallway.
He was a passionate student, not necessarily because he loved academics, but because he loved people. Joey thrived on connection. He worked well in teams, was the first to volunteer for classroom tasks, and often stayed behind to help clean up even if he didn’t have to. Many classmates recall how Joey would notice if someone was sitting alone and sit down with them, never making a big deal out of it — just quietly choosing kindness again and again.
His passion for sports was undeniable. Joey played football with tenacity and heart. Coaches said he may not have been the biggest player on the field, but he had the biggest spirit. He never backed down from a challenge and often lifted the team’s morale with his humor and determination.
A Heart Full of Love for Life and Family
Outside of school, Joey was a boy who embraced life with open arms. He loved the outdoors — fishing on early summer mornings, helping around the family farm, or going on hunting trips with his dad and uncles. He found peace in nature, pride in hard work, and joy in the simplicity of small-town living.
He was also deeply rooted in his faith and often attended church with his family. Those who worshipped with him remember a young man who was quiet but attentive, someone who listened deeply and lived his values. He didn’t preach — he led by example.
Holidays and family gatherings were Joey’s favorite. His cousins recall how he’d spend hours playing tag, helping with dishes, or sneaking an extra dessert to the younger kids when the adults weren’t looking. He had a knack for being exactly where someone needed him to be, whether it was offering a laugh, a hand, or a hug.
A Community Responds in Grief and Solidarity
In the aftermath of Joey’s passing, the towns of Unity, Colby, and Abbotsford have united in mourning. Schools have made counselors available to help grieving students process the loss, while local businesses have put up tributes in their windows — candles, photographs, and handwritten notes from classmates and customers alike.
Joey’s passing has reminded everyone of how fragile life can be — and how deeply interconnected their lives are. Neighbors who hadn’t spoken in weeks found themselves sitting together, sharing stories, wiping tears. Teachers, friends, and church members have been reaching out to support the Houk family in any way they can — cooking meals, helping with errands, or simply sitting in silence with them.
A candlelight vigil was quickly organized at Colby High School’s football field, where hundreds gathered to remember Joey. The stands were filled with students wearing green and gold, the school colors, and holding signs bearing messages like “Forever Our #16” and “Fly High, Joey.” The evening was filled with tears, prayers, and soft laughter as people shared memories of a boy who truly lived.
A Memorial of Celebration and Remembrance
A public memorial gathering has been scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford. Friends, classmates, teachers, and neighbors are invited to attend and celebrate the beautiful life that Joey led. The gathering is expected to be more than just a traditional funeral — it will be a celebration of the impact Joey made during his short but powerful life.
Attendees will be invited to share stories, post notes and photos to a tribute board, and reflect on the joy Joey brought into the world. A slideshow of his life, set to his favorite songs, will play throughout the service — featuring moments from childhood, school dances, fishing trips, and game days.
The family has expressed that while they are devastated by the loss, they are overwhelmed by the love and support pouring in from every corner of the community. They are encouraging people to remember Joey not by how he died, but by how he lived — with compassion, joy, and a spirit that refused to be dimmed.
Legacy: Love, Light, and the Power of Kindness
Though Joey’s life ended far too soon, his legacy continues to ripple through the lives of everyone who knew him. In his honor, teachers are speaking to students about empathy. Coaches are encouraging their players to play with more heart. Parents are hugging their children a little tighter. And friends are vowing to live more like Joey — fearlessly, kindly, and with purpose.
In a world that can sometimes feel heavy with loss, Joey’s story is a reminder of how much difference one person can make. His kindness, his laughter, and his unwavering loyalty have left a lasting imprint that time will not erase.
“Some lights shine so brightly, they continue to glow even after they’ve gone out.”
Joseph “Joey” Daniel Houk was one of those lights.
His life — though short — was full, meaningful, and deeply loved. His memory will be held close by all who knew him, and his story will live on in the halls of Colby High School, the fields of Unity, and the hearts of all who were lucky enough to call him son, brother, student, teammate, and friend.
Rest in peace, Joey. You were — and will always be — deeply loved.
