Our dad, Loren Willis Houg, passed away peacefully at the Northern Montana Care Center in Havre, Montana on Monday, April 22nd, 2019, after a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Dad was born to Grandpa Herbert and Grandma Dina (Wille) Houg in Wolf Point, MT on July 24th, 1939, minutes before his twin brother, Larry. He grew up north of Wolf Point in the Benrud community attending country school and helping on the family farm. After Dad graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1957, he joined the army and was stationed overseas in Guam and Okinawa. After his service he came back to the farm to work alongside Grandpa and Uncle Doug. At that time he reconnected with and then married his high school sweetheart, our mom, JoAn Hanel, on January 7th, 1963. It was on Houg Farms that they lived and worked together while raising us four children, Marc, Rebecca (Becky), Loren (Bruce), and Tonya.
Dad’s love of farming and raising Red Angus cattle was evident in the time he spent working with Mom and Uncle Doug on the farm, as well as, the hours reading and studying in order to build up the farm. He was a member of the NFO where he was chosen Farmer of the Year in the 1970’s. Dad was a member of First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point where he was an usher many Sunday mornings. He served several years on the Frontier School Board during the time we attended school there. Dad enjoyed “shaking a leg” at VFW dances, attending the Stampede events, having coffee with the neighbors, and attending bull sales. Dad was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it or asked for it. He developed a love for lapidary work which became his winter hobby. Dad created many beautiful pieces of agate jewelry and became quite adept at faceting semi-precious stones. Dad’s sense of humor was known and appreciated by all his family and friends. He was always tickled when given the chance to tease Mom, the grandmothers, and aunts. Dad was one heck of a story teller, too. I’m sure anyone who knows him can recall at least one or two of his stories. They always ended with his signature chuckle. We will surely miss that chuckle.
Dad’s survivors include his brothers, Dale (Kay) and Doug (Royal); sisters-in-law Marlene (Dewayne) Jager, Joyce (LeeRoy) Mann, Jeanie (Harry) Bickle, Jerriann Hanel, Janny (Dave) Parsley, Judy Lanterman, June (Mike) Vogt; brother-in-law Frank Hanel, Jr. (Tammie); 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, ten great grandchildren with another on the way, numerous nieces and nephews; and former daughter-in-law Angela Martinez Brotzman.
Dad was preceded in death by Mom, Grandpa Bert and Grandma Dina Houg, Grandpa Frank and Grandma Alice Hanel; his brothers Larry and Bruce Houg; a grandson Jeffrey Houg; great granddaughter ZayLee Houg; and brother-in-law Gary Lanterman.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Laurie Anderson says
My prayers to all the family. I have such wonderful memories of Loren and all the family growing up. Now, he can have a great time catching up with things over coffee with my mom and dad.
Kathy Rauch says
Becky I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s death. Your family has had a rough year. Praying for you and your family.
Cindy Stensland says
So very sorry to hear of Loren’s passing. My condolences and prayers for the family.
Kathy Nelson says
Please accept my most sincere condolences…we were farm neighbors in Benrud. I had both Dina and June as teachers in Wolf Point. I spent many hours at the Houg farm babysitting for Marc and Becky. My prayers are with all of you.
Laurie Suppes says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You were all a large part of my growing up. Your mom was very special to me.
Pr. Gregory Holler-Dinsmore says
Loren was a faithful, caring and funny man. His last years have been a struggle. I remember all the good times had with Loren and JoAn since I came up here in “87. They will be missed.
Blessings to all family and friends.
Harvey Hanson says
Loren’s chuckle made him a friend of all his classmates. A good man.
Ruth Squires-Hood says
So very sorry to hear of Loren’s passing. Heaven has welcomed home a new angel. Prayers for all.
Scott Taylor says
Marc and Family, ..So sorry to hear about your Dad….Over the course of nearly 40 years, I’ve been out to the Houg Farm countless times….from painting the barn, to staining the house, to pumping that favorite septic tank…I’ve always enjoyed my times with the Hougs….both your Mom and your Dad……Such GREAT people!….I remember the time Loren showed me his lapidary collection..(with great pride)…hundreds of beautifull agates…in his quiet, inimatable way……Yeah….and he chuckled about that too!…Know that they both are in the arms of our great Savior…Jesus Christ…….Scott and Gail Taylor
Alice says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families.his smile would light up a room.He is gone but never forgotten . Lives on in the memories.
Love to all Alice (Fyfe) Christensen
Dale S says
Condolences to the family. Loren was a good man.
Bonnie Sethre says
How well I remember your parents. We were good friends when we lived there. God’s blessings on all your memories. Bonnie Sethre