Kenneth Joseph Houle

Kenneth Joseph Houle was born August 10, 1940 to Aloysius and Lillian Houle in Bottineau, ND, where he was raised and later graduated from high school. He joined the United States Navy in 1960 at the age of 20 and served until he was honorably discharged on May 27, 1964. He then went on to school to become a boilermaker and was with the boilermakers union his entire life. In 1961, Ken married Corene Barbot, his wife of 52 years. In 1971, they moved the family to Brook Park where they raised their 8 boys and 2 girls and Ken was able to fulfill his hobby as a farmer. Ken passed away Friday, June 27, 2014 at his Brook Park home at the age of 73 following a 10 year battle with cancer. Ken will be remembered for his great humor, determined spirit to live, and an unyielding heart of compassion for his family and friends. Ken is survived by his wife Corene Houle of Brook Park, children: Brian Houle and his wife Melanie of Centerville, Renee Gritz and her husband Greg of Champlain, Steve Houle and his his wife Gina of Andover, Leanne Grinsteinner and her husband Steve of Hinckley, Dale Houle and his wife Jennifer of Coon Rapids, Tom Houle of Brook Park, Gerald Houle of south Minneapolis, Kelly Houle and his wife Malynda of Princeton, Peter Houle and his wife Jessica of Sartell, Aaron Houle of Princeton; 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 4 brothers, 6 sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Al & Lillian (Dostaler) Houle, brother Mike Houle, and nephew Robert. Memorial Mass for Ken Houle will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 1st at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Pine City with a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 3rd in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.  Family should use the Funeral Cortege entrance to Fort Snelling and meet at Assembly Area #4 at 11:30 a.m. Arrangements are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.