Melvin Houghton

Melvin L. Houghton, age 89, of Cassville, passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at UW Hospitals and Clinics in Madison surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 14, 1926, in Beetown Township, the son of Louis and Helena (Bast) Houghton. Mel graduated from Lancaster High School. He served in the United States Army Air Corp. during World War II. On July 19, 1947, Mel married Ruth M. Bossert at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Burton. Together they farmed for over twenty-eight years. Mel and Ruth began farming on the Bossert Family Farm and in 1954, they purchased a farm in Cassville Township. He was employed as the curator at Stonefield Historic Site in Cassville for twenty-eight years. Mel served on the Cassville Village Board, Ferry Commission Board, and an active member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Cassville. He was a member of the Free & Accepted Masons and the Mumm Welsch American Legion Post No. 352.

Survivors include his children: Ruth Ann (Stephen) Kundert; Deborah (David) Byrge; Daniel (Leah Gaye) Houghton; Mary (Randy) Hatlen; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lois Houghton; nieces, nephews, and members of the Bossert family.

Mel was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Ruth; a sister, Goldie Hines and a brother, Lyle Houghton.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at 12:00 noon at Martin Funeral Home in Cassville with Reverend Pamela Strakeljahn officiating. Burial with military honors accorded by Mumm Welsch American Legion Post No. 352 and the VFW Post No. 7080 was in Cassville Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends called on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home where a 9:45 a.m. Masonic service will be held. In lieu of plants and flowers, a Melvin L. Houghton Memorial Fund has been established.