Roger Houglum

Roger Ardell Houglum, age 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at home, surrounded by loved ones.

Roger was born in Fargo, ND on June 14, 1939, a son of the late Magnus and Alice (Peterson) Martinson. He grew up in Audubon, MN, and graduated from Audubon High School with the class of 1957. Roger married Donna (Clark) on January 16, 1960 in Rapid City, SD, and together they raised three children. 

Roger worked as an electrical installer for Western Electric, later known as AT&T, retiring after 34 years. Roger was an avid outdoorsman and began living full time in the place that he loved in 1992. Many happy memories were made fishing, hunting and spending time with five generations of family and friends on Long Lost Lake. During retirement, Roger fulfilled a lifelong passion of creating handcrafted furniture. Roger had a strong faith, and was a devoted caregiver to many, including his late brother, David. He was also a jokester! Roger will be sadly missed.

He leaves his loving wife, Donna of over 64 years; his children: Shane (Dianne) Houglum, Dee Ann (Sean) Murtagh and Yvette (Gary) Young. Roger also leaves his siblings: Gerry (Bev) Houglum, John (Carolyn) Houglum and Kathleen (Rick) Gandrud; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Roger is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents: Magnus Martinson, Alice and Ray Houglum; a brother David Houglum; a great-grandson Jaxon Murtagh and nephew Luke Gandrud.

The memorial service for Roger will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2 PM at Christian Fellowship Church (28048 Meadow Drive, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501) with Pastor Tim Rice officiating & special guest Father John Cox. Visitation will be one hour prior. Final rest will be private.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Red River Valley for their kind and compassionate care of Roger.

For those wishing, memorials in Roger’s memory may be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley.