Justin Avolt Houden

Justin Avolt Houden | June 28, 1996 – July 19, 2023 

Justin Avolt Houden, 27, passed away on Wednesday, July 19. Justin was born in Madison, Wisconsin to parents Jeff Houden and Caeli Houden and completed their family of four including his older sister Jordan. 

Justin grew up on the waters of Lake Mendota, the shores of Little Sissabagama and the Mountains of Montana, which instilled his love of adventure at an early age. Justin packed more adventure into his 27 years than most do in their lifetime. Traveling to 71 countries around the world, Justin was truly a citizen of the Earth.  

Justin is remembered by his baby blue eyes, easy charm, kind nature, natural curiosity and huge heart which allowed him to make many friends and acquaintances around the world. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Justin spent much of his time between his home in Denver and his communities around the world. His passions in life included traveling to amazing places where he could be in nature doing things he loved like hiking, skiing and meeting old friends and new. 

Other life-long friends of his were made in the classrooms of Waunakee High School where he played football and at the University of Colorado – Boulder where he earned a degree in business and marketing. Justin was talented in school, but his true gift was connection and relationships.  

Justin lit up every space he entered with his charismatic personality, easy grin and contagious laughter. He made those around him feel important, seen and heard and was a truly thoughtful son, brother, cousin and friend - those who were loved by Justin were made better for it. 

Equally, Justin was treasured immensely by his family and is survived by his dad, Jeff Houden and his wife, D-Ann; his mom, Caeli Houden and her husband Jim; his sister Jordan Hidden and her husband, Zach; his step-siblings Zack, Jake and Breezy; his uncle and aunt, Richard and Margaret Houden; his aunt and uncle Debbie and Ralph Stamler and cousins Jenny and Megan; his uncle and aunt, Chris and Debbie Houden and cousins Chris Jr., Anna and Henry; his uncle and aunt, Tim and Sue Houden and cousins Ben and Ella; his uncle and aunt Paul and Amy Houden and cousins Payton and Avery; his uncle Jerry Van Amerongen; his faithful and furry companion, Kuma; and many close friends whose lives he touched during his own. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard and Dorothy Houden; his aunt Linda Houden; and his furry buddy, Roscoe. 

His friends and family have vowed to keep his memory alive in sunsets, music, travel, uncontrollable laughter and turtles. 

The Houdens would like to thank the many people in Justin’s life who offered him support and love during his struggles with addiction and mental health. 

A service for Justin will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 11am to 12pm at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI, followed by a celebration of life until 4pm at Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse in Middleton. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Meriter Foundation | NewStart Addiction Treatment. 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406