Neil R. Houge

Neil R. Houge, 91, Hibbing, formerly of Pengilly, MN and the San Francisco Bay area, died Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Guardian Angels Health & Rehabilitation Center in Hibbing. He was born October 5, 1933 to Arthur and Stella Ann (Shellhorn) Houge in St. Paul, MN. Neil graduated from Kensington High School. He later would proudly serve his country with the US Marine Corps. Achieving the rank of SGT. Neil earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal; United Nations Service Medal; Parachutist Badge; and the Good Conduct Medal. After his duties in the Marine Corps, Neil married Betty Mae Johnson from Kensington, MN, and they had four daughters. Neil was employed with KGO-ABC in San Francisco, CA as a Radio Engineer. He retired from KGO and moved to his cabin on Swan Lake in Pengilly, MN in 1991. He met Uda Maxie in 1999 when their mutual love for dancing brought them together. They enjoyed time together at the lake and in Hibbing, where both lived after selling the cabin in 2015. Neil enjoyed golfing and was a member of the Swan Lake Country Club. He also was a member of the Hibbing Rifle Range and had a soft spot in his heart for the local animal shelters, often donating food and treats.

He is survived by his companion, Uda Maxie, children, Elizabeth (Dan) Tveite, Elk River, MN, Sharon Lewis, Albany, MN, Mary (Bob) Reed, Kathy (Laurell) Presson, both of Boyd, TX, and their mother, Betty Larson of Albany MN, Roger (Jody) Ray, Greenville, NC, and Perry (Funda) Ray, Hibbing, MN, both (Uda’s sons), siblings, Arlen (Barb) Dockter, Diamond Springs, CA, Keith (Beverly) Dockter, Placerville, CA, Alice (Harold) Baldwin, Pueblo West, CO, and Claude (Rhoda) Houge, Egan, MN, 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Stella Ann (Shellhorn) Houge, brothers, Wilbur “Doc” Dockter, Clyde Houge, Robin Dockter, and his sister, Darby Bender.

Funeral services for Neil will be held at 11 am on June 2, 2025, at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Pastor Claude Houge will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior, and Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. In Lieu of flowers, the family would like people to bring a bag of dog food to their local animal shelters.

 Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.