James Allen Hougdahl was born on May 26, 1954 in Amery, Wisconsin the son of Roy and Beverly (Rognholt) Hougdahl. He was Baptized and Confirmed at East Immanuel Lutheran Church. Jim was active in 4-H as a youth and all his life enjoyed the rural lifestyle in Deer Park and the surrounding area.
Jim attended Amery High School where he was active in athletics and graduated in 1972. He enjoyed the outdoors, biking, music and sports. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and other family and friends was very important to him.
He worked as a machinist for Phillips in Hudson for a number of years. He was currently employed at RaTech Machine in Osceola, Wisconsin. He also worked at the Crossroads at the Corners as a bartender where people got to enjoy his great sense of humor and his impromptu singing.
Jim died in a motorcycle accident in rural Osceola on Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the age of 55 years.
He was preceded in death by his father Roy.
Left to mourn are his mother, Beverly; Life partner Patty Shatswell; children, Lorelei Hougdahl, Aaron Hougdahl, Keven Hougdahl, Joli Hougdahl, Derek Hougdahl and their mother, Helen; one grandson Chase; Patty's children, Rebecca Himlie and Bill (Kim) Shatswell and 4 grandchildren Abbey, Leo, Eden and Lake.
He also leaves his siblings: Dennis Hougdahl, Sandy Pinger, Nancy Dewar, Jill Miller and Paul Hougdahl and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at Amery Free Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Christenson officiating. Music for the service was provided by Carol Hougdahl and Laurie Stewart. Casketbearers were Ed Hougdahl, John Hougdahl, Doug Hougdahl, Tom Hougdahl, Dale Struemke, Dain Pinger, Larry Lake, Dusty Bergman, Tom Shoop and Bill Shatswell.
Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park, Wisconson. The Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery assisted the family with arrangements.
(Amery Free Press - Tuesday, September 22, 2009)
(New Richmond News - Thursday, September 24, 2009)
