Robert “Bobby” Houle Jr., 64, of Plummer, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at his residence in the arms of his loving wife.
The funeral to celebrate Bobby’s life was held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial followed at Telemarken Cemetery in rural Goodridge.
Robert Martin Houle, Jr. was born August 22, 1955 in Minneapolis, the son of Robert Sr. and Katherine (Bevins) Houle. He was baptized in the Christian faith. He started at Washington Grade School in Minneapolis and continued in Swatara. Bobby returned to Minneapolis where he finished school, graduating from North High School in the class of 1974. On November 28, 1975, Bobby became a father to Little Bobby.
In 1975, Bobby moved to Thief River Falls, and worked for Nordheim Roofing from 1975-1986. Bobby then went to work at Arctic Cat on the snowmobile line doing motors. He was known to rev the motor he was working on at the end of the day. Bobby tended to get in trouble for it but it didn’t bother him too much. He had a great sense of humor, had some great one-liners and enjoyed playing jokes and messing with his co-workers and friends.
At a party on April 4, 1981, Bobby met the love of his life Darlene Sletten at Lyle Johnson’s home. The two were married on December 19, 1981 and to this union four children were born: Robyn, Rachel, Ryan and Cody. The family has made their home in Pennington County since.
Bobby enjoyed spending time with family, friends and music. He loved to play guitar and sing wherever he would go. He loved spending time with his grandkids telling stories. Bobby was a big man who was very caring, kind hearted, always willing to help anyone and loved to entertain. He loved to have all the family together to go on trips, share fun and good times together.
Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Darlene of Plummer; children, Robyn (Tyrone Benson) Almendarez of Oklee, Rachel (Travis Strelow) Schmidgall of Plummer, Ryan (Nicole) Houle of Newfolden, Cody (Allison Plante) Houle of Thief River Falls, and Little Bobby Houle; grandchildren, Destiny, Reina, Arianna and Jordyn Almendarez, Lexi, Emily, Kyra and Kyle Larson, Elaine Houle, Mickenzie and Hailey Houle, Katie, Tyler and Savanna Houle; father, Robert (Colleen) Houle Sr. of Elk River; siblings, Karen (Rick) Sampson of Maple Plain, Stephanie Houle of Minneapolis, Shawn Wellner of Big Sandy, Jodi Wicklund of Monticello, Jamie Houle of Big Lake, and Michael (Carmen) Houle of Elk River; aunts, Marilyn Sletten and Bernice Sistad; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Bobby is preceded in death by his mother; sister, Kimberly; mother and father-in-law, Orvis and Lorraine Sletten and his grandparents.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com