Larry Houser, 78, has blown his final whistle after a battle with cancer.
He grew up on the family farm in rural ND graduating at the top of his class from a one room schoolhouse. Graduating from WCAS in 1964, Larry headed to Valley City with a basketball scholarship and a coffee can of his mom’s cookies.
One fateful men’s golf night, Jerry Sandy convinced Larry to leave teaching and take up work at First Bank Insurance. Larry became part owner of the agency and bank and worked there right up until Kathy told him it was time to enjoy more time at the lake.
Larry held leadership roles with the ambulance and fire services, the Commercial Club, Our Savior’s Church Council, Hillcrest Country Club and the hospital. He served over 10 years on the hospital board when CHI gave the hospital 6 months’ notice before they closed the hospital. His leadership of the board was instrumental in keeping the hospital open. He was recognized as Outstanding Rural Health volunteer in 2010. His accolades include induction to the Hall of Fame at Valley City State University and Insurance Agent of the Year then later President of the ND Big “I”. His officiating was recognized through an induction into the ND Officials Hall of Fame as well as by the many parents who disagreed with his calls. His travel call in a good Class B basketball game was the gold standard.
Larry is survived by his patient wife of 54 years, Kathy Wang. If it weren’t for her extraordinary parenting skills, his children Kari Houser (Bill Stobb), Jenny Arel (Mike), and Jeremy Houser (Megan) may not have made it to adulthood. His grandchildren include Claire and Carter Stobb, Jake (Lexi), Connor and Jadyn Arel, and Jax and Kenley Houser. He spoiled them with an unreasonable number of treats from the bakery, as well as several beach vacations. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Blanche and sisters Joann and Eileen, his parents-in-law Gib and Carol Wang, brother-in-law Donnie Wang and is survived by his brother, Vern, sisters-in-law Mary Mericle (special friend Steven Jensen), Robbi (Tim) Jacobsen, and brother-in-law Dale Wang (special friend Teresa Weis) and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be held Friday September 13th at 2:00pm at Our Saviors Lutheran Church with a visitation from 1:00pm-2:00pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the American Legion. Arrangements are entrusted to Tollefson Funeral Homes and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Care Health Center.