Leon Houglum
August 08, 1933 - May 05, 2019
Obituary
Commander Leon Houglum, U.S. Navy Ret., passed away on Sunday, May 5th, 2019 in Fischer Cottage at St. John's. Leon was born in 1933 on the family homestead in Montana to William and Hazel Houglum. He attended and graduated from school in Sidney, MT., received a BA in Economics from the University of Montana and a MA in Administration from George Washington University. In 1955, he married Juanita in Sidney. Leon served as a Naval Aviator for 21 years flying a variety of aircraft aboard aircraft carriers on both coasts. As a search and rescue pilot he received both civilian and military awards for 16 rescues at sea and in North Vietnam, including two air medals for over 40 combat missions and the Presidential Distinguished Flying Cross for the rescue of an Air Force pilot under heavy enemy gun fire. He retired from the Navy with over 25 years of service. After retirement, he spent over a decade as Director of Community Relations and Resource Development at Saint Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT. Programs and special events initiated during this period include the Ronald McDonald House, SAINTS Ball, Heart and Sole Race, Fortin Memorial Golf Tournament, and the HELP helicopter ambulance. Leon was a member of many social and local organizations. They included Billings Elks, Kiwanis Club, Scottish Rite and Al Bedoo Shrine, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. Leon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Juanita; daughter, Laura Lee (Charles) Rose; son, William (Pamela) Houglum; grandsons, Cody Rose and Benjamin (Micah) Rose; granddaughter, Kiana Houglum; and sister, Elaine Amestoy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Houglum; sisters, Alice Reisig and Verna Fisher; and granddaughter, Rachel Lee Rose. A celebration of life with full military honors is scheduled on Saturday, May 18th at 10:30 AM at Faith Chapel (517 Shiloh Road, Billings, MT 59106 - Broadwater Ave Entrance). Donations may be made to the Billings Food Bank. The family would like to thank the staff of Fischer Cottage at St. Johns and Stillwater Hospice for their loving and tender care. Online condolences can be emailed to LeonHouglumMemories@gmail.com . Memories and condolences may also be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com
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Memories
NJ
Nan Jones
Other •
Laura, I am so sorry to see you lost your dad. It’s really hard to lose a parent, but it’s so great you had him this long. I’m thinking of you and your family. Nan Jones
AS
ADELINE (ADDIE) SCHMIDT
Other •
My sincere sympathy wishes I am sending to you. family of Leon, What a dear person. I was so fortunate to be able to spend time with him, just sorry he had to be so ill. Have known the family since Sidney days. Then also a fellow Kiwanian. GOD BLESS YOU ALL ADDIE SCHMIDT
JY
Jean Youngbauer
Other •
I remember him very well,and remember him working at St. Vincent Hospital,was a wonderful, will be missed.
GS
George Samuelson
Other •
Jaunita & Family... Just want to pass on my very sincere condolences...Leon was such a great guy. During high school...Leon was at Sidney and I was from Glendive...we had a great competitive time in basketball and football and then at Boys State where we hung out together. My best to you and your family... George Samuelson
PH
pamela henrichs
Other •
Leon was such a treasure here at Grand Park. I would have to say he was one of the kindest people I know. Always lifting the spirits of his fellow residents as well as the staff. Leons family is just as kind and so attentive to him. There is no doubt that as he went into heaven Jesus opened his arms and said job well done my son. Please know your all in my prayers and thoughts, I will be out of town Saturday but my heart will be with you all.
CL
Cynthia Lauwers
Other •
Leon, You were always a warm smile and a kind word in my busy workday. Your support of all the staff at St Vincent will ever be remembered. Rest well with our respect and fondness. Cindy