And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Alvin Arthur Houg, age 86, passed from this world and into the arms of His Savior on June 6, 2025.  He lived a life marked by patience, kindness and a deep love for God.  His faith was central to everything he did and guided his interactions with everyone he met.  Al was born in 1938, in Pennington, MN to Melvin and Edith Houg.  It is there he spent his childhood with his sister, Myrt, working on the small family farm.  Growing up on the farm without much money taught Al how to problem solve and fix just about any problem you can think of – who had the money to buy new?  He learned to tear it down and build it back up to be used for years to come.  He would spend the rest of his life utilizing these skills to benefit his family.

Al attended Blackduck High school where he met the love of his life, JoAnne Robertson and so began their love story.  Upon graduation, he volunteered for the draft so he could begin his life with JoAnne immediately thereafter.  They were married on January 31, 1960 – six months after he returned home from the army.

Upon his return, Al attendd Dunwoody Institute with the goal of becoming a baker.  If you know Al, that should sound like a misprint.  By his own testament, his baking and cooking skills were limited to a hot cup of morning coffee and piece of toast.  When asked why he would pursue baking, his response was, "Well, I really like food, so it seemed like a good idea."  The skills he learned were used only once.  He decorated their wedding cake – and it was beautiful!

They lived in the cities in the early years of their marriage where he worked for Steward Lumber.  The owner was like a second father to him and took him under his wing to teach him the trade.  Along the way, he also picked up plumbing and heating skills.

In 1965, they returned to their roots in northern Minnesota.  Al worked for Lamberts Lumberyard in Grand Rapids and eventually used the plumbing and heating skills he had gained to become a licensed plumber.  He started Houg Plumbing and Heating in 1973 and continued in the business until he retired in 2005.  The business was passed to his eldest son, Jeff, who continues running it today.  As a businessman, Al was known as kind, hard-working, honest and fair.  Qualities that he was very proud of.

But Al's story lies not in his career, but in the love he had for his family.  Together, he and JoAnne had 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  The moments he enjoyed most were those spent with his family and creating masterpieces in his garage.  Some of those masterpieces were made of wood like the beautiful grandfather clocks he made for JoAnne and each of his children as well as wall clocks for each grandchild.  Others were pieces of antique furniture that he lovingly brought back to life and now fill their home.  He even built his own boat about ten years ago.  He rebuilt old tractors and a sawmill and lovingly constructed and gave away dozens of birdhouses.  He was a man who loved to work with his hands, and that craftmanship carried over into his love of music as well.  He taught himself to play the violin, autoharp and harmonica, he also rebuilt several of his violins.  His hands, much like his heart, were always busy, always creating, always giving.  He will be remembered for his quiet wisdom, gentle spirit, dry sense of humor, unfaltering love of family, and his unwavering faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, JoAnne Houg; four children, Jeff (Denise) Houg, Mark (Kathy) Houg, Steve (Vicky) Houg, Shelly (Gary) Lindstrom; 9 grandchildren, David, Daniel (Nicole), Amanda, Tasha (Dan), Nichole (Jack), Steven (Keri), Tim, Ben, Hannah (Dillon); 11 great grandchildren; sister, Myrt (Don) Barg; honorary grandson, Tony Schmid, and several nieces and nephews.

His is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Edith Houg; in-laws, Lloyd and Velma Robertson; two grandchildren, Melissa Schmid, and Andrew Houg; and one nephew, Michael Barg.

The visitation will be held on Monday June 16, 2025, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, MN, beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting until the 11:00 AM memorial service. Inurnment will be at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church columbarium.