Charles Houge

Charles H. Houge, age 92, passed away March 8, 2025. 
Charles and his wife Lois resided in La Crescent, Minn., until moving to Canby in 1962. In 1988 they moved to the Twin Cities, and upon retirement in 2008, moved to Northfield, Minn. 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gehardt and Gladyne; brother, John; and infant sister, Janaan.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Lois; his children, Mark (Anne), Eric, Paul (Tammy), Tim (Debbie), Sara (Nate) Risser, and John (Susan); his grandchildren, Lauren, John, Elliana, Dawson, Karis, Zachary, Talia, Austin (Sydney), Jordan, Madison, Cole, Jake, Noah, Gabe, Luke, Jimmy, Joel, and Greta; sister, Ahna Marie (Jeff) Burow; and other loving family and friends.
Charles (or Chuck, as his friends called him) grew up in Houston, Minn., and was very active in sports. He attended college at St. Olaf College and  later transferred to University of Wisconsin-Stout where he obtained a degree in industrial engineering. He joined his father, Gehardt, in the business G. Houge and Son Custom Builders in La Crescent.
Chuck and Lois moved to Canby where Chuck was one of the first faculty members of the Canby Vocational School where he taught Architectural Drafting. He continued to build homes during his time as a vocational schoolteacher and obtained a master’s degree from South Dakota State University in counseling. 
Following the graduation of Chuck and Lois’ youngest child they moved to the Twin Cities to build homes full-time. While building homes in the Twin Cities, he became very involved in Habitat for Humanity and led many projects sponsored by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Chuck’s passion was helping his clients build the home of their dreams and supporting his family to be successful at whatever they chose to pursue. 
He was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend who enjoyed talking with everyone he met. He loved woodworking and stained glass projects as well as spending time with family, in particular his 18 grandchildren at the family’s cabin at Lake Cochran, S.D. 
Chuck always remained positive no matter the challenge, had a smile on his face, and often said, “Dear God, you steer and I’ll pedal.” 
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, Minn., with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service and lunch to follow. Private family inurnment will follow the lunch. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.
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