Frank Hougen

Frank Leonard Hougen, 76, a resident of Kalispell, Whitefish and Somers, laid down for his final nap Sept. 15, 2006. He died of old age peacefully in his sleep at his home in Evergreen, with his family holding him and loving him.

Frank was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the son of Frank and Vera Glass. He was raised by Marie Hougen.

Frank joined the Army, where he was a military policeman. He then worked as a fireman on the Hungry Horse Dam, and then went to work for the Great Northern Railroad. He retired as a conductor after 43 years.

Frank belonged to the VFW, the Eagles and the Whitefish Gun Club, and he loved to duck hunt, tie flies and play ball with his children.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his adoptive mother Marie Hougen; and a daughter, Wanda Hougen.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Joy Elgaen, in Somers; daughters Renae Cousins, in Washington, Debbie Bark, in Idaho, Cindy, in California, and Charlye Puryer, in Evergreen; sons Jerome Hougen, in Texas, Mike Hougen, in Washington, and David Hougen, in Washington; and by 15 grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2006, at 11 a.m. at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with Rev. David V. Kauffman officiating.

Friends are invited to a gathering after the memorial service at the Whitefish VFW.