Houg, Elling S. 1865-1944

HOUG, OLSON, LOFTGARD, ERICKSON, REIERSON, QUAMMEN, REAR

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/1/2013 at 01:13:40

Elling S. Houg was born March 1, 1865, the son of Svend and Margaret Houg, at the old Houg homestead east of Elgin. He was the second youngest of a family of eleven children*. He was confirmed at the East Clermont Lutheran church. As a young man he attended the St. Ansgar Seminar for a term.

He was united in marriage in 1897, to Mary Olson. Seven children were born to this union. In 1903 he purchased the farm where he resided until his death.

He was a very active man until about a year ago when he underwent a serious operation. About a month ago he entered the Decorah hospital, where he passed away Jan. 20, 1944, at the age of seventy-eight years, ten months and twenty days.

He took an active interest in church and civic matters. He was a kind father who always had the welfare of his children at heart. He is survived by his widow and seven children, namely, Joseph, Ruth (Mrs. Helmer Loftgard), Emily (Mrs. Richard Erickson), Agnes Reierson, Hilda, Alice and Myron, and six grandchildren; two brothers, Assor and Kittle, of Elgin, and one sister, Mrs. Quammen, of Fisher, Minn.

Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the home and at the Marion Lutheran church with Rev. S.J. Strandjord officiating. Music was furnished by the choir and L.O. Reierson sang a solo. Casketbearers were six nephews, Sylvan Houg, Clarence Houg, Henry and Elmer Olson, Kenneth Olson and Elmer Rear. Two granddaughter, Eileen and Norma Loftgard, were flower bearers. Burial was made in the Marion cemetery.

~Elgin Echo, January 27, 1944

*The obituary of his father says there were 12 children.