Allen J. Houg

ALLEN J. HOUG was born on October 27, 1919, to Arthur and Martha (Nelson) Houg, Rose Dell Township Jasper, MN. Allen’s mother died when he was only 3 months of age. He was raised on the family farm in Rose Dell Township by his father and stepmother, Bertha (Urdahl) Houg. He was baptized and confirmed in Jasper and began his farming career during his childhood on the family farm. Allen graduated from Jasper High School. Allen was drafted into the US Army on June 9, 1942 and went on to serve in the Aleutian Islands during WWII. He was a Staff Sergeant and worked as a Radar Technician. He was discharged on November 26, 1945, and returned to the family farm, he farmed the land until 1971. He was united in marriage to Vivian Grimm on January 9, 1968, at Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was a member. Allen and Vivian moved to Sioux Falls, where he worked at various businesses. They moved to Arlington, SD and lived on Lake Poinsett for a few years. They then moved to Ihlen, MN where they spent many years until moving to the Pipestone Good Samaritan Society. Allen and Vivian enjoyed spending their winters in Texas for 20+ years. Allen enjoyed staying busy, especially working in the outdoors, he served as the Ihlen city and cemetery caretaker for many years. Allen was blessed to live 102 years, five months, and 21 days. He died peacefully at the Good Samaritan Society of Pipestone on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Allen was active in his congregation and devoted to his religion. As an avid reader he especially enjoyed reading the Bible. Allen was a passenger on the inaugural Honor Flight of Southwest Minnesota. He was honored to fly with his fellow Veterans to Washington D.C. Mowing lawns was a favorite chore, but he was also a skilled baker and put together many delicious Christmas goody boxes. A true farmer at heart, he could fix anything. Allen had a passion for helping others, especially those in need, he was very kind, caring man. He was a loving husband, cherished father, and very involved grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Allen is survived by his stepdaughter, Joyce Foster of Jasper, MN and stepson, Darrel Grimm of Sioux Falls, SD; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Martha, stepmother, Bertha; wife, Vivian; stepdaughter, Judy Fjellanger; great-grandchildren, Kelly Lorenzen and Brody Damman; and brothers, Morris and Donald Houg.