Lois Elaine Houge, age 93, of Burnsville, Minn., passed away peacefully at her home on December 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Lois was born on February 24, 1932, in Rushford, Minn., to Eno and Laura (Scheil) Morken. She grew up in Rushford, where she formed lifelong friendships and graduated from Rushford High School. After high school, she attended St. Olaf College, where she was an active and enthusiastic student who embraced learning and community.
Lois devoted 25 years of her life to teaching as a librarian and English teacher in the Canby and Madison, Minn., school districts. She found deep joy in sharing her love of reading and language with her students. Her gentle guidance, patience, and warm spirit touched countless young lives.
Lois had many passions – reading, puzzles, gardening, spending time at the lake, and savoring simple treats like peanut butter and ice cream. Some of her happiest memories were made at the family cabin, where she and her beloved husband Charles, loved hosting family gatherings, sharing stories, and enjoying quiet moments together. Lois and Charles were married for 69 wonderful years until his passing on March 8, 2025. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion.
She also cherished her travels to Hawaii, England, Norway and Mexico – adventures that filled her with wonder and became treasured family stories.
Lois and Charles lived in La Crescent before settling in Canby in 1962, where they raised their family. In 1988 they moved to the Twin Cities, and later, in their retirement, to Northfield in 2008. Wherever they lived, Lois created a warm, welcoming home filled with laughter, kindness, and the joy of being together.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband Charles, and her brother Alton Morken.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Mark (Anne), Eric, Paul (Tammy), Tim (Debbie), Sara (Nate) Risser, and John (Susan). She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Lauren, John, Elliana, Dawson, Karis, Zachary, Talia, Austin (Sydney), Jordan, Madison, Cole, Jake, Noah, Gabe, Luke, Jimmy, Joel and Greta; and great-grandmother to little Liam. She is also survived by her sister Beth (Conway) Elton, sisters-in-law Marlys Morken and Ahna Marie (Jeff), and many dear relatives and friends who brought joy to her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr., Burnsville, MN. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with a luncheon to follow as family and friends gather to share memories and celebrate Lois’s beautiful life.
Lois will be remembered for her gentle heart, her love of learning, and the deep devotion she had for her family. Her legacy of kindness and faith will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.
Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com.
Leave a Reply