Hougen, Helen Vernelle (Peterson) 1932 - 2020

HOUGEN, PETERSON, DANIELSON, NIEBUHR, OLSON, ORMORD, BENDER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Helen Hougen, age 87, of Decorah, IA, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago St. in Decorah, with Rev. Daryl Thompson presiding. Burial will be in the Hauge Cemetery in the spring.

Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday morning at the Church.

Memorials can be made to the Aase Haugen Senior Services at 4 Ohio St. Decorah, Iowa 52101

Helen Vernelle (Peterson) Hougen was born on December 21, 1932 the daughter of John E. and Lenora (Danielson) Peterson on the family farm north of Decorah. She was baptized and confirmed at Hauge Lutheran Church. Helen attended country schools before graduating from Decorah High School in 1951. She went to work for Peterson Sales and Service after high school.

Helen married O. Paul Hougen on August 8, 1954 at Hauge Lutheran Church. She loved dancing in her younger years, she gave it up when she met Dad – he could not quite get in step with her. She loved playing games, especially Rook and marbles.

They moved from parish to parish and mom fit the role of “Pastor’s wife.” She became involved in prayer groups, youth activities, and hosted pancake breakfasts and chili suppers in their home.

Helen was a homemaker and caregiver. She loved being a mother and caring for her family. She took care of her own 8 children, 14 children in the foster care program, and she did in home daycare. She loved her grandchildren and made their visits special.
She loved to bake. Her bismarks were fondly known as long johns even though they were round. She was known for baking lefse in the wee hours of the morning. We always knew we would be well fed when visiting mom and dad.

Helen was a busy lady – but through it all, she was one classy lady. She loved her patent leather shoes and was always dressed to the nines – Jackie Kennedy was her style icon.

She loved her home at Rustic Acres. When others were traveling the world, she would say “I have no need to go anywhere, I love it right here.” We are at peace knowing she is celebrating in her new home with her Heavenly Father.

Helen is survived by her husband: Paul Hougen, Decorah, IA; children: David (Julie) Hougen, Ridgeway, IA; Kristi (Bruce) Niebuhr, Fairbank, IA; Jonathan Hougen, Decorah, IA; Faith Hougen, West Des Moines, IA; Luther Hougen, Denver, IA; Joy (Jim) Olson, Hudson WI; Son-in-law: Brian Ormord, Dubuque, IA. Brother Charles (Helen) Peterson, Decorah, IA. Twenty three Grand Children and nineteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: John and Lenora (Danielson) Peterson, Sr. Son: Paul Jay. Daughter: Gloria Ormord. Two sisters: Lucella (Virgil) Bender and Doris (Walter) Bender. Three brothers: Ervin (Dorothy) Peterson, John (Lorraine) Peterson and Bob (Grace) Peterson.

Source: Schluter-Balik Funeral Home database

Hauge Lutheran Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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