Paul Daniel Hougen

Over the past few days - actually, over the last few weeks - we've had many good visits together, and right along with all the tears, we've been sharing many stories of Paul. While making arrangements for Paul's funeral, John asked Stephanie if he could write Paul's obituary. John carefully crafted this and we think he captured Paul quite well.

Paul Daniel Hougen

With his eyes wide open, Paul Hougen confidently stepped from this life to the next on December 24, 2010. His final gift to his family was the peace and dignity with which he accepted his death.
It was with great sorrow that Paul left Stephanie, his true love. She gifted him with the love and family that was the core of his life. With equal sorrow, he left his girls, Emma and Sarah. They put the never-ending twinkle in his eyes.

The boy who never left for school without a kiss for his mom seamlessly became the father who got daily hugs and kisses from his girls. Paul’s parents, brothers and sisters will never forget the excited call he made announcing Emma’s birth and later Sarah’s; he was so proud to be a Dad.

Paul’s loves are too numerous to mention, but included the Louisville Cardinals, the Vikings, the Minnesota Twins, Ford Mustangs, his motorcycles, and all sports involving balls. His skills at baseball and golf were the envy of many. Never the gourmet, he loved all things Spam. His last full meal was linguini with Spam sauce, made especially for him by his family.

Paul was loved by all his nieces and nephews because in him they found a kindred spirit. The kid in him was never far from the surface. While all the uncles and aunts showed interest in the nieces’ and nephews’ video game, Paul was the only one who would go out and buy one for himself.

Paul had a wickedly quick wit and a gift for spotting life’s absurdities. He had no fear as a friend. He was with his friends when they were hurting with the same ease he was with them when they were celebrating.

Paul Daniel Hougen was born to Jim and Vella Hougen on July 23, 1963. He is survived by his wife Stephanie and their daughters Emma and Sarah, his parents Jim and Vella, and Stephanie’s parents David and Gillian Ley. He is also survived by brothers John (Michelle) Hougen and David Hougen, sisters Jane Hougen, Ardis (Craig) Kraft, and Susan (Marty) Lieberg, nephews Erik Hougen, Luke Kraft, and Ben Lieberg, nieces Meghan (Brandon) Fortman, Rachel (Ryan) Galemore, Krysta Hougen, Carlie Hougen, and Kjerstie Lieberg, and great-nephews Elijah and Caden Galemore, and William Fortman. Paul’s brother Charlie preceded him in death, and seeing Charlie again gave Paul great comfort.

Paul’s service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Larimore at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 29. Visitation at the church one hour before the service. Interment will be at Bellevue Cemetery at a later date. This is a celebration of Paul’s life. Please feel free to dress casually and colorfully.

Funeral arrangements by Bakke Funeral Homes of Larimore, North Dakota.

God bless you so that you may be a blessing to others.