Allen Arthur HOUSH

HOUSH, PETERSON, CAMPBELL, SPIELMAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

November 22, 1935 --- June 15, 2018

Allen Arthur Housh, Age 82, of Edina, died peacefully June 15, 2018. He lived his last 14 years with a rare form of Parkinson's Disease. Al's positive attitude throughout his illness set an example of love and acceptance for family and friends. Born Nov. 22, 1935, the fourth child of Helen and Chuck Housh of Garner, IA., he grew up with the loving care and camaraderie of older siblings, Chuck Jr., (Imelda), Claire (Bob Peterson) and Ray (Nancy). Claire and his parents preceded him in death. His exploits on the athletic fields and courts of Garner earned him his nickname the "Garner Flash." Al attended Iowa State University in 1953, serving as president of the TKE Fraternity House in 1957. His academic achievements resulted in a job offer from Cargill, Incorporated upon graduation in 1957. In 1959, Allen married Karen Campbell of Clarion, IA. Their marriage produced sons Scot (Susie) and Steve (Kelly). Karen passed in 1990. In 1991, Al married Jean Spielman Housh. During his 36-year Cargill career, he worked in grain and oilseeds merchandising and plant management. Karen and Al lived in Ft. Dodge, IA; Des Moines, IA and Memphis, Tenn., before settling in Edina, MN in 1973. He ended his career as Cargill's vice president of transportation. In retirement, he consulted in barge and rail transportation. He served on the board of regents for Augsburg College. He also served 12 years on various Fairview Health Services boards. He was past president of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church; active in Edina Kiwanis and Fur, Fin and Feather. Al played tennis and golf. He loved cheering for his MN Vikings, Twins and Gophers. An avid fisherman, Al cast his line in many lakes, rivers and streams in Canada, Alaska, Gull Lake and southwest MN to name a few.

He shared his fishing enthusiasm with his grandchildren Jordan, Andrew James, Austin, Haley, Campbell and Jerry at his lake place near Brainerd. Al was a caring and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. To further Parkinson's research, Al donated tissue to the Mayo Brain Bank and his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, June 21 at 4 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Edina. Family will receive friends at 3 PM at the church. A reception and celebration of Al's life will follow at Interlachen Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Club Create at the Struthers Parkinson's Center, Golden Valley, MN. Al's family would like to thank the many caregivers who enriched his life, especially Pete Bohlmann, Jenny Morgan and her team at Breck Homes and Fairview Hospice.

Star Tribune -- Minneapolis, Minnesota
June 17, 2018