Alma (Thorsheim) Hougen (1916-2003)

THORSHEIM, HOUGEN, HEGLAND, KNUTSEN, KARL, PEDERSEN, SUMMERS, NEFF, DICKEY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/10/2013 at 20:45:41

From The Statesman (Austin, Tx) Jnauary 1, 2004

Alma Thorsheim Hougen, 87, died peacefully in her Austin home on Saturday morning, December 27, 2003, from conditions related to Alzheimer's disease. Alma was born in Radcliffe, Iowa, on May 5, 1916. She was the youngest child in a large Norwegian-American family and was raised in a beautiful area of rural Iowa. Alma attended college at Iowa State University in Ames where she met her future husband, Joel. Alma and Joel were married on May 25, 1938. They came to Texas in 1967, where Joel was a Chemical Engineering Professor at the University of Texas. Alma enjoyed bridge, dinner groups, New Comers Club, Faculty Wives, University Ladies' Club, her friends, and membership in Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Alma will be remembered as a most gracious hostess, welcoming relatives, friends and students from around the world into her comfortable home. Alma brought joy and comfort to everyone in her presence, and she was positive about every circumstance. Even the hottest days in Texas were complimented by her statement: ``But the breeze is lovely!' Alma was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Rasmus Thorsheim of Radcliffe, Iowa; and siblings, Anna Serina Hegland of Radcliffe; Joseph Thorsheim of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Iver Thorsheim of Radcliffe; and Henry Thorsheim of Des Moines, Iowa. Surviving Alma are her husband of more than 65 years, Joel O. Hougen; and children, Kathryn Hougen Knutsen of Austin, Thomas Joel Hougen and his wife, Susan of Potomac, Maryland, Martha Clare Hougen of Austin and Stephen Thorsheim Hougen and his wife, Marva of Victoria, Texas. Also adding to her joy are grandchildren, Kristoff Karl and wife, Mona and Kjell Knutsen, Amelia and husband, Ulrik Pedersen, Malena and Sara Hougen, Matthew Summers and Richard Neff, Kara, Eric, and Zachary Hougen; and great- grandchildren, Wyatt Knutsen and Magnus Pedersen. Special individuals considered daughters include, Bernadette Ulens and daughter, Fleur DeWit of Brussels, Belgium; and Magnhild Folleso of Australia. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Ruth Dickey of Orono, Maine; and brother, Elmer (Bud) Thorsheim of Story City, Iowa. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend a service in Alma's memory on Friday, January 2, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3525 Bee Caves Road, Austin 78746. Memorial contributions may be made to the church in Alma's honor. This dearest wife, mother, and friend will be remembered by all those who knew her. May God bless her soul, and may she live forever in our hearts.