Otto H. Houg

Otto Hubert Houg was born on October 21, 1920, to Carl Peder and Helen Denorah (Hansen) Houg in Rose Dell Township, Rock County, Minnesota on the family farm. He resided there and attended Jasper Country School North East #36 and then Jasper High School, graduating in 1938. On January 22, 1950, he was united in marriage to Corrine Elaine Hildring at the Bethany Lutheran Parsonage in Luverne, Minnesota. After their marriage they lived in a rural home directly across the street from his parents’ home from 1950-1954. After his mother’s death, the couple moved into the original farm home and cared for his father until his passing. Otto farmed there until 1979. During this time he also was the treasurer of Rose Dell Township (1964-2008), Rose Dell Township Assessor (1969-2008), and insurance writer, adjuster, and board member for SW Insurance from (1961-2012). In 2012 he fully “retired” but continued staying active on the farm. As long as he “didn’t get caught and didn’t fall” he was OK. On Monday, August 7, 2017, Otto passed away peacefully under hospice care at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Minnesota, at the age of 96 years, nine months, and 17 days.

Otto was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. He loved to fish, hunt, and enjoyed dancing with the Hollyhoppers Square Dance Group back in the day.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Corrine, of Jasper; three children, Lynette (Tony) Mussio of Everett, Washington, Roger (Nancy) Houg of Aitkin, Minnesota, and Dennis Houg and special friend, Stephanie Hum of Jasper, Minnesota; two granddaughters, Sherri Long, and Christina Arnold; and five great-grandchildren, Zachary Long, Jr., Joseph Long, Kirstn Thompson, Seth Arnold, and Joshua Arnold. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Olga Raunholm, and Esther Enderson; and three brothers, Joseph, Marvin, and Carl, Jr.