Morris Houg

MORRIS LEONARD HOUG was born on February 18, 1924, on a family homestead in Rosedell Township, Rock County, Minnesota to Arthur and Bertha (Urdahl) Houg. He was raised on the farm and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Morris received his education at the neighborhood country school and Jasper High School. After his education, he helped with farming until he was drafted into the United States Navy on March 23, 1945. He was trained in Great Lake, Illinois and was aboard the USS Houston and was honorably discharged on November 15, 1946. He returned home where he farmed with Allen in Elkton, South Dakota until about 1950, when he went back home to Jasper to farm with his Dad. On December 27, 1951, Morris was united in marriage to Lois Cunningham at the Presbyterian Parsonage in Pipestone, Minnesota. They made their home in Jasper, where Morris worked for different farmers until beginning farming for himself. In 1971, they moved their family to the Houg Historical Homestead in Rosedell Township. In January of 2012, Morris and Lois moved into the Sunrise Village in Jasper, Minnesota. In September of 2014, he became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone where he resided until his death on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at the age of 92 years and 19 days.

Morris was a member of the Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jasper. He enjoyed coffee time with friends and neighbors in Jasper. Morris liked to read, travel, walk, watch TV, and listen to polka music and hymns. Morris and Lois spent over 20 years wintering in Texas; creating memories that were surely treasured. Spending time with his family, and especially his grandchildren, was a favorite pastime of Morris’. Morris was also active in helping his children during their time in 4-H.

Morris is lovingly remembered by his family; including his wife, Lois, of Pipestone; his children, Dale (Gayle) Houg of Deerfield, Illinois, Eloise (Dale) DeBeer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Curtis (Lisa) Houg of Jasper; nine grandchildren; and two brothers, Allen (Vivian) Houg of Pipestone and Donald (Darlene) Houg of Jasper. He was preceded in death by a son, Gerald Houg.