Houg, Assor S. 1857-1944

HOUG, REAR, QUAMMEN, SWENSON, HALLIN, HELGERSON

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 5/7/2013 at 01:14:13

Assor S. Houg passed away at his home in Dover township, on Monday evening, March 27, at 9:50, at the age of eighty-six years, six months and twenty-three days.

Although he seemed to be in good health, his strength gradually failed due to a steadily weakening heart. Even though confined to the house since last fall, he had been able to be up and about at least part of the day, until Sunday night when he was stricken with a heart attack from which he never recovered.

Mr. Houg was born on the Houg homestead in Clayton county, three miles east of Elgin, on Sept. 4, 1857, of pioneer parents, Margit and Svend Houg, both of whom were born in Norway and came to this country in their youth. Assor Houg lived on this same farm until he was 61 years old, when he came to live in Clermont and later he moved to the farm which was his home when he died.

He was one of a family of twelve children, all of whom have preceded him in death, except one sister, Mrs. Julia Quammen, of Fisher, Minn., and one brother, Kittel Houg of Elgin.

He was baptized and confirmed in the East Clermont Lutheran church and was a member of that church until he moved to Clermont and joined the West Clermont congregation. He was a faithful church member and attended the services as long as he was able, even though his deafness prevented him from hearing much of the service. He conducted daily devotion in his home, both morning and evening, and dearly loved to have his children join him in these devotions when they were at home.

In 1890, he was united in marriage with Bertina Rear, who passed away eleven years later. In 1905, he married Emma Rear, who now survives him.

He became the father of six children: Elmer of St. Ansgar; Sylvan of near West Union; Elizabeth, Mrs. O.J. Swenson of Waseca, Minn.; Signy, Mrs. P.W. Hallin of Minneapolis, Minn.; Gerhard of Fergus Falls, Minn.; and Esther, Mrs. Arthur Helgerson of Postville.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Dorothy, David and Carol Helgerson; Gary Robert Houg; Donald and Barbara Swenson; and Helen Jean and Elmer Joseph Houg, the latter serving with the armed forces in England. Many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends also survive him.

We have lost a fine, sincere christian, a kind and loving husband, a good father and a man deeply interested in the welfare of the church and its work. We shall miss him.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon, March 31. A short service at the home preceded the services at the West Clermont Lutheran church at 2 o'clock. Rev. A.O. Nesset officiated at both services. Burial was made in the Clermont cemetery. The casket bearers, all neighbors, were, Elmer Osmundson, Chas. Learn, Michael Helgerson, Lawrence Guyer, Tom Hanson and George Havenstrite.

Those from a distance who attended the funeral Friday were: Mr. and Mrs. E.M. Houg and Helen Jean; Mr. and Mrs. Moward Houg, T.J. Groth, Anton Groth, H.A. Groth of St. Ansgar; Dr. and Mrs. O.J. Swenson, Donald and Barbara, of Waseca, Minn.; Mrs. P.W. Hallin of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Julian Moe and Helen of Decorah.

~Elgin Echo, April 6, 1944

~Note: his first wife Bertina is buried in God's Acre cemetery, Clermont.