Andre “Andy” Houglum

Andre Andy Orion Houglum was born to Andrew and Sophia Ebeltoft Houglum on April 1, 1918 in Moorhead, MN. Andy was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1937 and then attended North Dakota Agricultural College NDSU.

Andy worked with an electrical contractor before moving to his career job with the City of Moorhead Water and Light Department which became the City of Moorhead Public Service Department. During his 41 years of service he held many positions, retiring in 1980 as the manager of the Electrical Metering Department. Andy was active in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 70 years and served on the executive board for two years. He was also active in the City and County Credit Union.

On April 23, 1949 Andy married Emily Mikkelson from Hawley, MN. He helped build their home in south Moorhead in 1953 where he enjoyed entertaining family and friends and being “Mr. Fix-it” in his basement workshop. Emily and Andy joined the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in 1954 where Andy was a charter member of Helping Hands. He thoroughly enjoyed the projects this fellowship of men undertook for more than 30 years. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for 13 years.

In their retirement years Andy and Emily enjoyed traveling the United States. In 2013 the couple moved down the street to Linden Tree Circle at Eventide, where they have enjoyed the presence and support of their extended families.

Emily would like to extend her thanks to the nurses and staff at Eventide for the wonderful care they provided to Andy.

Andy is survived by his wife of 66 years, Emily; seven nephews, Frank Judi Hollands, Don Rusness, Chuck Thorne, John Audrey Elton, Mike Pat Elton, Jerome Mikkelson, Lyle Mikkelson; and eight nieces, Doroles Merrill Johnson, Debra Joel Haugen, Sandra Thorne, Ardelle Curt Berg, Kathy Larry Burnside, Jean Rodney Ulven, Barbara Dallas Groshans and Jenny Ken Schumann; and his good friend and neighbor Eddie Gudmundson. He was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters: infant Lois Celeste, Virginia Houglum, Jacque Thorne, Muryel Hollands and Audre Rusness.

The memorial service will be at 11:00 on Wednesday, October 21 at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Moorhead. Friends may gather from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.