Vernette Eloise Houle

HOULE, Vernette Eloise Zackariason (Kautzman) Passed away peacefully in her own home in Coon Rapids, MN, on December 9th at the age of 97. Vernette was born January 2nd 1928 in Lake Park, Minnesota, the daughter of Stella Rodina (Kjos) and William (Bill) Zackariason. In 1946 she graduated with honors from Lake Park High School. Vernette graduated from the Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing in Fargo, North Dakota, in September 1949 and worked as a nurse at Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis and later at Trevilla Nursing Home and Twin Rivers Nursing Home in Anoka before retiring. She married Joseph Kautzman of Carrington, North Dakota, in 1949. She and Joseph lived in North Minneapolis. Joseph died in 1973. She married Howard E. Houle of Centerville in 1979. They lived in Anoka. Howard died in 2020. Vernette and Joe's children were: Steven (Terri) Kautzman of Spring Hill, FL; Karen (Terje) Bjoro of Oslo, Norway; David (Kim) Kautzman of Coon Rapids, MN; Joan (Harold) Lunceford of Plymouth, MN. Vernette's stepdaughter Lorna Jean Houle (deceased 2007). Grandchildren: Cody Kautzman of Spring Hill, FL; Stephanie Bjøro (Halvard Lægreid) of Oslo, Norway; Victoria Bjøro (Knut Melby) of Oslo, Norway; Joseph (Kelsey) Kautzman of Big Lake, MN; Andrew Lunceford of Urbana, IL; Dillon Lunceford, Roseville, MN; Tanner (Abbie) Lunceford of Crystal, MN; Aaron Houle, Anoka, MN. Great-grandchildren: Emma Mary Rose Kautzman of Spring Hill, FL; Magnus Bjøro and Karen Marie Lægreid of Oslo, Norway; Louise and Julie Melby of Oslo Norway; Kirby Lunceford of Crystal, MN. In addition many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Vernette was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph (Joe) of 25 years, her husband Howard (Howie) of 41 years; siblings Irene, Douglas (Buddy), Walter Alden Curtis, Shirley Joan, and step daughter Lorna Jean Houle. Vernette enjoyed flowers and gardening, crocheting and knitting, bowling, going fishing, reading, dancing, listening to music, and playing cards. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage, making lefse, potato dumplings and even lutefisk. She was a member of Sons of Norway, Vennekretsen, Lodge #1-559. She and Howie had a trailer first at Lake Osakis and later at Horseshoe Lake where they spent many summers fishing, sitting by the campfire, stargazing and enjoying the company of friends. She was rooted in patriotism and love of country having experienced WWII and the loss of her brother Buddy, a Gold Star Veteran of MN, who died in 1944 while serving in the US Army in the Philppines. Vernette was a member of the Women's Auxiliary Pst 9625 in Coon Rapids and served as Auxiliary president 2002-2003. She was dedicated to the VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program and encouraged high school students in the Anoka county high schools to apply. She also was a troop/den leader in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was also a member ofHOULE, Vernette Eloise Zackariason (Kautzman). She had a strong faith that was instilled in her by her mother. She was a long-standing member of the United Methodist Church of Anoka. Funeral Service for Vernette will be held at The United Methodist Church of Anoka on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 Visitation from 10:00-11:00 Service from 11:00 Following the service lunch will be served at the church. Streaming will be available - link to be posted here later. Internment at Fort Snelling will be on Wednesday, December 17th at 1:30 pm. the League of Women Voters for many years.

Tributes

Vernette Eloise Houle

January 2, 1928 - December 9, 2025

Tributes

Vernette Eloise Houle

January 2, 1928 - December 9, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203