JoAn Marie Hanel Houg passed away peacefully on October 31, 2018 at Avantara Billings nursing home in Billings, Montana. JoAn was born to Frank and Alice (Folden) Hanel on February 26, 1940 in Glasgow, Montana, minutes before her twin sister Joyce. Later the family settled in Wolf Point, Montana, where JoAn attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1958. JoAn married her high school sweetheart Loren Houg in January 1963. They lived on Houg Farms where they raised four children, Marc, Rebecca (Becky), Loren (Bruce), and Tonya.
Besides being the most attentive wife, mother, and grandmother, JoAn was a master gardener, wonderful cook, avid reader, great seamstress, and enjoyed knitting, biking, and cross-country skiing. Her love of learning was evident through the numerous Bible studies she attended, as well as the telecom classes she took in the 1980’s stopping short of getting her paralegal degree.
Family was very important to JoAn. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, looking forward to each great grand that was added to the ever-growing clan.
JoAn was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and alice Hanel; Loren’s parents, Herbert and Dina Houg; grandson Jeffrey Houg; great granddaughter Zaylee Houg; and brothers-in-law Gary Lanterman, Larry Houg, and Bruce Houg.
JoAn is survived by her husband Loren Houg; sisters Joyce (LeeRoy) Mann, Jeanie (Harry) Bickle, Jerriann Hanel, Janny (Dave) Parsley, Judy Lanterman, June (Mike) Vogt; brother Frank Hanel, Jr. (Tammie); brothers-in-law Dale (Kay) Houg, Doug (Royal) Houg; sister-in-law Marlene (Dewayne) Jager; children Marc (Janece) Houg, Becky (Rick) Fritz, Bruce Houg, Tonya (Mel) Paulson; grandchildren Rebecca Houg, Marjorie JoAn Houg, Dustin Houg, Benjamin Houg, Dina Fritz, Alice Fritz, Nastassja Burshia, Nicolet (BJ) Palmer, Lane Paulson, Britton Paulson, nine great grandchildren with another on the way, numerous nieces and nephews; and a former daughter-in-law Angela Martinez Brotzman.
JoAn was thoughtful and loving and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched. She was a spiritual woman who held steadfast to her faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, so we know she rejoices in His open arms.
Cremation is planned with a memorial service at a later date.
June Vogt says
Marc, Becky, Bruce and Tonya,
I will miss your mother, my sister, my friend. She had such an impact on my life, especially as a young mother. She was with me when Tiffany took her first breath and was always ready to stand beside me or teach when I needed help. May God give you all peace and comfort. Rest In Peace Jo, and rejoice in your reunions. I love you kids. Aunty June
Joyce (Jackley) Baer says
To the complete families,
My sincere condolences to you all. JoAn was a beautiful woman, not only outwardly, but from the heart. May our Heavenly Father grant you all His peace and comfort as you learn to live here without JoAn.
Angela says
Joan was a great Mom, Grandma, Aunt. And I’m so honored, I have got to know her. We had great laughs and memories and even some tough times. But, I wouldn’t trade the memories and love I got from Joan. She taught me so much, and I wished, I could have been 1/2 the woman she was in life. But, believe me I’m still going try. God has a plan for her and I know Jeffrey and her are in each others arms. She will never be forgotten in my heart. I will love and miss her everyday.
Donna Mann says
To the family of JoAn,
So sorry to read of JoAn’s passing, but I think we all agree she is in a better place now. It is not easy for you to lose your mother, sister, wife, aunt, grandma, or friend. Our kids were the best of friends and shared many good times together. JoAn will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. R.I.P.
Donna Mann
Lorene Hintz says
Dear family,
I first met JoAn in the 70’s. I was welcomed to the neighborhood where we attended Bible studies together, many which she hosted. As she studied and grew her faith, she also encouraged me. May you feel God’s comfort in your loss. She will be missed!
Laurie Anderson says
Everyone,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of growing up down the road with all of you and “coffee” with JoAn. Many, many smiles from these memories. My prayers are will all of you.
Alice & Merlin Christensen says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. JoAnn was always a very warm hearted lady and her smile warmed up a room. May the comfort of family and friends help you all through this time. She is gone but never forgotten.
Linda Bradley says
It is always so hard to lose a special person in your life. JoAn was just one of the cousins from the Hanel family that I looked up to and loved. We all grew up with love of family and now with the loss of JoAnn, we have lost another precious part of that group. I know that her family was so blessed to have her and all of the love she shared with them. We will miss her in our lives also. We pray for God to comfort all of JoAn’s family and pray for peace. Love forever, Linda (Steen) and Ed Bradley
Christine Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest sympathy to all the family. JoAnn was a remarkable woman. She knew a great deal about herbal medicine. I always think of her when I burn myself. She gave us this great gum plant remedy that soothes and heals the burn. Keeping you all in prayer. And may the love of the Creator, family friends and your good memories of JoAnn give you healing and peace. May you rejoice in the knowledge she is surrounded by love.
Pr.s Greg and Christine Holler-Dinsmore
Jana King says
To Auntie Jo’s children, grandchildren and great-grands –
My heart is with you and I am so sorry for your loss. How fortunate we all were to have known Auntie Jo! She is so remarkable and with such a kind heart. I have such fond memories and feelings associated with time spent in her home. She was the Aunt who knew how to talk with me about quitting smoking in a way that made a difference. I just love her so much and know she’s in a better place. My heart is with you. Love you all – Jana
Kileen Hagadone says
Rusty and I are sorry for your loss! Prayers for your family. She was a wonderful beautiful woman!
Phyllis Iwen Torpy says
God is holding each of you in this time of passing. Joann is once again whole and in good health. Watching you all from Heaven above.
Laura Christoffersen says
Prayers from me as well for your comfort and peace. JoAnn receives her reward for a life well-lived. I always enjoyed my conversations with her…she was an interesting woman who was somewhat before her time in rural NE Montana.
Dale and Susie Erckson says
Dear Becky, Rick and family, Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you at this sorrowful time.
Diana Skala Sethre says
Becky, I am so sorry for you and your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers
Diana
Lorrayne Zobrak says
I didn’t know JoAnn well, but I remember her wonderful smile which made one feel welcome in her presence! God bless to you, her dear family!
Dale Stensland says
My Condolences to Joann’s family. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Dale Stensland.
Bonnie Sethre says
Dear Marc, Becky and families, I am sorry to hear of the loss of JoAnn. I have many fond memories of her and her smile. It was a long time ago that we were neighbors, but they were good times. God bless you all and know that times heals, leaving good memories. Bonnie Sethre
Sue Ady says
Sincere condolences to the Houg/Hanel family.
Sue Roy Ady