Posted: 8/14/02

William Houle was family historian and leader

Branden Peterson
Staff Writer

Whether it was talking family, politics, or his rock collection, WilliamHoule spoke with a unique passion for the masses to hear. With a family so large, he needed help spreading the family word.

Bill, as he was known by everyone became "chief writer and editor" of the Houle Monthly Newsletter, mailing more than 150 copies to Houle relatives and close friends every month.

William W. Houle, 83, Stillwater, died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack on Sunday, August 4, 2002.

Born in 1918, Houle was the eldest of 11 children of William and Ruth Houle. Bill's father, previously married, lost his first wife to a kitchen fire and left behind 8 children from the first family. He attended Forest Lake Senior High School, before graduating in 1936. The early death of his father thrust the 18-year-old Houle into an importantfamily role: family provider. Houle went immediately to work on his family's farm, split between Columbus Township and Lino Lakes.

Bill's vital importance on the family property prevented military service during World War II. He married Phyllis Daninger in 1944, andpurchased the family farm from his mother. While most families construct a family tree, the Houle family needs a book detailing the lengthy history. Bill and wife Phyllis kept the tradition alive; the couple preceded to have 11 children.

Spending time between the Lino Lakes Planning Commission, reading several newspapers on community happenings, or writing letters to state and federal legislators, Bill wanted to make sure his voice was heard.

A lively historian, his voice traveled far.

"Dad was always teaching us. You sat, listened and learned," daughter Jennifer Lundquist says of her father's countless stories. "His stories were always interesting to us kids."

Reminding his children or grandchildren to make sure they knew their civic and religious responsibilities, or about the next family gathering, Bill let his newsletterdo the talking.

From 1990 until just recently, Bill was regularly cutting, pasting, and laying out his newsletter.

"The written word was extremely important to him." daughter Jennifer Lundquist said.

A lover of words, Houle's passion to write was only one of his hobbies.

Many years on the farm land led to the discovery of American Indian arrowheads. Collecting coins had Houle searching for unique dimes, quarters, and pennies. Other collections included horse buggies, violins , agates and antiques.

Captivated by extending his knowledge of history, these hobbies became not only a passion for Houle, but for younger descendants as well.

When Houle wasn't spending time on the family farm with his large family, he was actively participating at St. Genevieve's Catholic Church in Centerville.

Bill instilled a strong will to each one of his descendants, Jennifer explained. In good health for most of his life, Houle developed cataracts in the late 1980s. Fighting the disease only seemed natural to him.

Medicinal eye drops were needed in the battle, but he also underwent two surgeries to keep his eyesight. His daughter remembers that he was willing do whatever was necessary to keep his sight in good condition.

"Reading was everything to him," she said.

Bill continued to stay in good health while growing older. His wife Phyllis passed away from cancer in 1990, and several negative preceding events, Houle moved from the property where he had lived his entire life

Moving to Stillwater to live with daughter Gloria, Bill remained interested in Forest Lake and surrounding communities along with his home in Hugo.

His interest stemmed from the continuing development of the area, especially with development looming on his family's property.

A sense of the past with optimism for the future, Houle lived his life with the vigor and livelihood to make his large family proud. His quick passing came unexpectedly and as a shock to the Houle family, but the family is thankful his death came without extended pain.

He is survived by his children, Karen (Michael) Bolz, Brainerd, Bruce (Suzette), Montana, Eugene (Rosanna), Oakdale, Cynthia (Pete) Heaney, White Bear Lake, Marge (Win) Fink, HI, Rosemary (Rob) Roy, TX, Kevin (Tina), NV, Gloria (Karl) Benz, Stillwater, Jennifer (Douglas) Lundquist, Forest Lake, Brian, OR, Peter (Judi), HI; 19 dear grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Berniece O'Gorman, Eleanor Peloquin, Leona Preiner, Ruth Riley, Henry Houle, Delores Foster, Virginia Resler, Alvin Houle, John Houle, many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; 8 brothers and one sister.

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