Search by Name

Search by Name

Martin Houle Obituary

Martin Jean Houle, 76, of Helena died Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, in a Missoula care center. Martin was born on March 11, 1931, in Helena. He was raised and educated in Helena. He served in the U.S. Navy from Jan. 22, 1951, until his honorable discharge on Jan. 7, 1955.

He married Beverly Joan Sherlock on Feb. 13, 1952, in San Francisco. Following the service, he returned to Helena, where he attended Carroll College from 1958 to 1961. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and went to Montana State University, where he earned his master's degree in bio-chemistry, graduating in 1963. After his graduation, he moved his family to Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, where he worked as a research chemist for the U.S Army. Upon his retirement in 1989, he returned to Montana, settling in Lincoln, where he has since resided. Beverly passed away on Oct. 23, 1992. He enjoyed traveling and watching his children and grandchildren grow and develop. He also enjoyed reading and writing articles.

Martin was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Lincoln and St. Mary's Catholic Community in Helena.

Martin is survived by his children, Mark of Menaga, Minn.; David of American Fork, Utah; Eric of Cedar City, Utah; Kirk of Lindon, Utah; John of Provo, Utah; Marta Houle of Helena; Joan Reed of Missoula; Anne Aldrich of Salt Lake City, Utah; Jean Lake of Fort Bragg, N.C.; Faith Means of Grand Junction, Colo.; and Scott of Orem, Utah; 28 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Corrine Houle; his parents, George and Winnie Hofmiester Houle; brothers, Lewis, Lyle and James Houle; sisters, Verlie Arnold, Winifred Hofmiester and Mildred Gunstone.

He was a very loving father who was too good for this earth. "Dad, your children love you ten times more than you can say."

At Martin's request, no formal services will be held. Cremation is under the direction of Retz Funeral Home.

Express condolences at www.legacy.com/HelenaIR.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record on Feb. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Houle

Not sure what to say?





Jerry L Russell

September 26, 2020

I worked under Martin while serving in the Army and stationed at Dugway Proving Ground during the Vietnam Era. He was not only my direct supervisor but also mentor and friend. He was a super guy as was all the other folks at Dugway Chem Division. God Bless you Martin! My sympathy to the family.

Chris Zirkle

February 12, 2008

Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. I only met Martin once or twice, however my Grandmother (Verlie Arnold) and Mother (Pat) talked often (and very fondly) of him.

Amy Blazewick

February 12, 2008

Sorry to hear of Martin passing. I still have a picture somewhere of all of us the time we got to meet.
(Patsy's daughter Amy)

Winnie (Rae )& Joe Gardner

February 12, 2008

I sm do sorry about skip he will always be in our hearts forever wish the kids will get into contact with me some time love to hear from all of you been many years it seems like I talk with marta but that was last year wanted to have skip get a hold of me so badly but my love will always be in my heart for life please write or call me my love is with you all please take care

Laurene Cramer

February 12, 2008

Words can't express how sorry I am for your loss. You are all in my prayers.

Lecia McCollum

February 11, 2008

I am so sorry to hear this sad news. But what a wonderful legacy he left us in his family. Special note to Faith, I think of you often and will always appreciated all you did for me. Lecia

Shawn Carney

February 10, 2008

My heartfelt condolensces on the passing of your dearly loved father. My thoughts are with you.

Arlene Bailey-Hunt

February 8, 2008

To the dear family of Martin, he was a very gentle man. I knew him all of my life and he was close to our family also. I know the feelings you are going through of losing someone so special. May god hold you all in his hands.

Duwayne Johnson

February 7, 2008

It is a sad day to those that know your family,My prayers are with you all.God has a plan for us all, it may not be for us to understand why he dose things but we must have the faith that it is all for a greater good.

Tracy See

February 7, 2008

Sorry to here of Martin's passing. I here about someone from your family where ever I roam. Would love to get Jean's address. Miss you all, take care. Tracy

Paula Nicholson

February 7, 2008

What great neighbors your family was! On behalf of Dugway Proving Ground, we express our condolences and thank you for your father's valuable service and contributions.

Kimberly Ruckle

February 7, 2008

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Jackie Wilde

February 7, 2008

All, I'v very sorry to hear about your father's passing. Unfortunately, I understand the feelings you are going thru. Take care.

Stefanie Rutter

February 6, 2008

I will miss you Martin, all the stories you used to share with me. I will cherish them and the time we spent together forever. Now, be at peace with your beloved Beverly, she's been waiting for you!

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results

Make a Donation
in Martin Houle's name

Memorial Events
for Martin Houle

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Martin's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Martin Houle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more