Ed Houglum

Edgar Houglum, age 84, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Sunday, August 6, 2006, in his home. Ed was born February 6, 1922, at Fosston, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Alma (Jesness) Houglum. He was raised in the Waubun – Flom, Minnesota communities and graduated from the Waubun High School with the class of 1939. As a young man, he worked in the Flom Creamery for 2 years. Ed enlisted in the Army Reserves, joining the ROTC. He entered college at what is now known as NDSU, but in 1943 after less than a year, he was called into active duty. After basic training, Ed was assigned to the 44th Infantry Division and was sent over seas into the war in Europe. He first went onto the coast of France and shortly afterwards went to the front lines. Ed’s unit traveled through France, Rhineland, crossed the Rhine River into Germany and then entered Austria. At the time Ed went overseas, he was a Private and by the end of the war he had the rank of First Lieutenant. While serving his country, Ed was awarded the Silver Star (the 3rd highest medal given in the Army for gallantry in action), the Bronze Star (for action above and beyond the call of duty), the Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster (two purple hearts), the Good Conduct Medal, the European Theater of Operations with 3 bronze campaign stars, the American Defense Medal, and the WW II Victory Medal, along with several other medals and citations. In January of 1945, Ed received a battlefield commission and became a Second Lieutenant. After his discharge, he returned home to Minnesota. On October 23, 1947, Ed was united in marriage to Margaret Dugas in International Falls, Minnesota. They made their home in Twin Valley, where Ed was a rural mail carrier for 36 years, retiring in 1985. He has continued to make his home in Twin Valley until the time of his death. His wife of 51 years died on Valentines Day of 1999. Ed was very active in the Twin Valley community all of his life. He was a member of the Twin Valley Lions Club for over 45 years and was recently awarded the Lions International President’s Certificate of Appreciation Award. He served as the Twin Valley Lions secretary-treasurer for 36 years and served on a number of other committees. Ed sponsored over 30 new Lion members over his career. On the Lion’s District level, he served on 13 district cabinets including zone chairman four times and district chairman four times, along with several other positions. Ed served as Twin Valley City Clerk for 8 years, served as secretary-treasurer of the Twin Valley Bowling Association for 25 years, and was the treasurer of the Twin Valley One Fund Drive for 7 years. He was an active member of the St. William Catholic Church, serving on the parish council for 12 years where he served three years as council chairman. He held memberships with the American Legion where he was a post commander for two years, the VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Ed was also active with the National Rural Mail Carriers Association, serving 2 years as president, 2 years as secretary-treasurer of the Norman County chapter; the Retired Officers Association; and the Knights of Columbus. Ed also received the Twin Valley Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1987. Ed is survived by four daughters; Dr. Peggy Houglum, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Pam (Robert) Gallagher, of Escanaba, Michigan, Joan (Steve) Burrows, of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin, Deanna (Dan) Maki, of Bessemer, Michigan; two sons, Dr. Joel (Rita) of Brookings, South Dakota and Larry (Johnna) of Volga, South Dakota; 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; two brothers, Monroe (Thelma) of Ulen, Minnesota and James (Harriet) of Alexandra, Minnesota. His wife and infant twin sons preceded him in death. Funeral services was held Saturday Aug. 12 at 10:30AM in the St. William Catholic Church, Twin Valley, MN. Visitation was Friday from 5:00AM until 7:00pm with a prayer service at 7:00 all in the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour before services at the church. Fr. Tom Friedl officiated with Monica Winter providing the music. His pallbearers were all of his grandchildren; Andy Houglum, Dan Houglum, Catie Houglum, Misti Houglum, Casie Houglum, Mike Burrows, Benj Burrows, Matt Burrows, Amanda Burrows, Tony Burrows and Tim Worster. Full military rites were provided by the Nesseth- Lien Post # 431 of the American Legion and the Twin Valley–Flom VFW Post #3818. Burial was in the St. William Catholic Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the Ed Houglum Scholarship Fund, which has been organized in his memory.

Ed Houglum

February 16, 1922 - August 6, 2006