Carol Ann (Jeppesen) Houghton
Carol Ann (Jeppesen) Houghton, age 84, of Olivia, MN died on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at RenVilla Healthcare Center in Renville. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 29th, at 11:00 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Olivia with Rev. Matt Hausken officiating. Burial will be in the Olivia Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 28th, from 4-7 p.m. at Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Olivia and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred and will be donated to charities that are dear to Carol’s heart.
Carol Ann Houghton was born on October 13, 1937 to Carl and Florence (Whitney) Jeppesen in Worthington, MN. She grew up on the family farm, was active in her church choir, and graduated from Worthington High School in 1955. She was active in Nobles County 4-H, where she received awards as a bread baking champion. She was also a sewing champion and selected to be a MN State Fair exhibitor. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Home Economics Education; during her time there she was an active member of the Wesley Foundation and also a member of the Beta of Clovia Sorority. It was at the University of MN where she met Don Houghton and they were married on March 21, 1959. They made their home in Olivia and were blessed with five children. Besides being a wife and homemaker she was very active in her community, including: Renville County Home Economists, Hospital Auxiliary, 4-H project leader, home room mother, Meals on Wheels, card club, birthday clubs, and coffee groups. She was a dedicated and faithful member of Faith United Methodist Church in Olivia for 62 years; she was part of the WSCS/UMW and Miriam Circle, and held positions as the Vacation bible school coordinator and membership chairperson. Carol was the family cheerleader, attending many school/sporting events, concerts, and plays and serving as the ‘Family Uber’ (before Uber existed) for kids and grandkids. She enjoyed being the family historian, planning reunions of any kind, as well as being the family travel coordinator and photographer. Carol will be fondly remembered for her outgoing and welcoming personality and ability of visiting with everyone!
Carol is survived by her husband, Donald; her children: Robert (Debra) Houghton of Glencoe, Barbara (Bryan) Christensen of Apple Valley, Wesley (Karan) Houghton of Madisonville, TN; Thomas Houghton of Waverly, and Daniel (Jensine) Houghton of Rockford; her grandchildren: Amy Scharlemann, Jessica Houghton, Zachary (Kate) Kuphal, Jesse Kuphal, Evan (Katrina) Houghton, Ashley (James) Carlson, David Houghton, Philip (Kyra) Christensen, Anna (Joseph) Connelly, Elizabeth Christensen (Adan Casas), Kasey Wingo, Vanessa (Grant) Benvie, Julia Houghton, and Timothy Houghton; her great-grandchildren: Kaylie Scharlemann, Gabriella Houghton, Mia Sharlemann, Isabelle Scharlemann, Kennedy Kuphal, Everly Kuphal, Baby Carlson due late August, Catherine Connelly, Xander Benvie, and Jaxton Benvie; her brother, Steve (Jan) Jeppesen; and her brother-in-law Richard “Dick” (Nancy) Houghton. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; great-granddaughter, Grace Scharlemann; sister, Marjorie Mews; brothers-in-law, Lester Netwal and Vernon Mews; and her sister-in-law Mary Karlen.
Blessed Be Her Memory
