Glen Strandberg
Staff Writer

A little bit of Forest Lake history was lost on Wednesday, August 2, when lifelong resident Doris F. (Boehm) Houle died peacefully at her home. She was part of what has been called The Greatest Generation, and her life story definitely fits the profile of such a lofty definition.

The Greatest Generation is derived from the title of Tom Brokawís book, and refers to those who served in World War II, and then fought in the Korean War, and followed that by rebuilding the worldís industries.

Houle graduated from Forest Lake High School in 1939, and she explained in a 1997 interview how the government was asking everyone to enlist in the armed forces. Her boyfriend was already stationed in India, so she was interested in doing her part.

It was in 1943 when she decided to give up her job at Forest Lake State Bank and enter the military. She joined what eventually became called the WAACs (Womenís Army Auxiliary Corps).

ìMy mother was so proud of that,î oldest daughter Mary Turcotte explained.

Houle was sent to the east coast where she spent a majority of her time in New York City, and Turcotte said that Houle loved her three years there.

Looking back, it is hard to believe that Houle willingly signed up for the duration of the war. In her early 20ís, three years would go by before WWII would come to an end and she could come back home.

The end of the war brought the opportunity to marry the boyfriend who served in India, the late Merton Houle, build a house and start a family.

Merton and Doris would have three daughters - Mary, Alice (Jarstad) and Jill (Schmidt).

ìHer family was really important to her,î Turcotte said.

Houle would go on to work in enough jobs, and participate in so many activities, that it sounds like numerous people are being described.

In addition to serving her country for three years, working in a bank, and being a wife and mother, she found time to work in a bakery, serve as the Personnel Director for District Memorial Hospital, play bridge regularly, go antiquing, be a member of a ladies group, garden, enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Casino in Hinckley, and still take time to savor poetry.

ìShe just did lots and lots of things and touched a lot of people,î Turcotte shared.

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Forest Lake Times
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