Oris Hougan

STOUGHTON- Oris O. Hougan, age 95, of Pleasant Springs Township, died on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the same farm where he was born and worked his entire life. Oris was born on February 2, 1927, the son of Henry and Anna (Linde) Hougan. Oris graduated from Stoughton High School in June of 1945. He grew up and learned his strong work ethic on the Dane County Century farm with his 5 siblings until purchasing the farm from his father and mother.

On July 12, 1952 Oris married Margaret Rothen at the Cooksville Lutheran Church in Cooksville, WI. They were married 61 years before her death on December 22, 2013. Together they raised 11 children on a typical Wisconsin Dairy Farm of the 1950’s through 1990’s with the addition of tobacco as a cash crop to,  “send the kids to college”, he would say.

Oris, known as “The Big O” was very outgoing and always enjoyed social interaction, conversation and a friendly debate now and again. He was a fan of all Wisconsin sports teams both college and pro. He especially loved to watch and play baseball and at times would mention that he was the first baseball pitcher in the history of the Utica Home Talent team. He regularly played in softball leagues in Stoughton and Cambridge for Western Koshkonong in the summer and enjoyed bowling in Stoughton in the winter. He said farming and a healthy diet kept him in excellent shape as he was able to compete effectively into his 50’s.

Oris served his country in the US Army National guard in the 1950’s and was a member of the American Legion.  Oris was a proud Wisconsin dairy farmer who made sure his children were active in 4H, showing their cattle, crops, projects and even the family dog at the Stoughton Jr. Fair and the Dane County Fair. In 2010 his son Joe and his wife Cheryl purchased the family farm where he continues to raise tobacco, soybeans and other cash crops in Pleasant Springs Township.

Over the years in addition to his farm duties, Oris was always kept quite busy by the activities of his 11 children and his wife Margaret who for many years needed a ride to and from work as an emergency room nurse at the Stoughton Hospital.  Add in church attendance and activities, school functions and family gatherings of all types, Oris was always on the move. He was proud to hear about the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had an inquisitive mind and knew how to communicate in a relaxing manner. Later in life he continued to enjoy supporting and watching the Utica Home Talent baseball team and the Brewers on TV.

In his last few years Oris was assisted by Heather Schauff as his trusted caregiver. His family wishes to express their thankfulness to Heather for her care, kindness and never ending concern for the “Big O”. Also, thank you to the Skaalen Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton and the Agrace Hospice Care, Inc. for their help and services with Oris during his end of life journey.

Oris is survived by his 11 children, 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.  Surviving children; Joni (David) Brown of Harbor Springs, MI; Connie (Jim) Davis of Tacoma, WA; Tom (Shari) Hougan of Richland Center, WI; Steve Hougan of Stoughton; Laurie (Terry) Culbertson of Hendersonville, TN ; Ann (Dean) Swain of Owensboro, KY; Lucy (Bob) Rinehart of Centerville, WA; Joe (Cheryl) Hougan of Stoughton; Mike (Pili) Hougan of Stoughton; Scott (Terry Wethal) Hougan of Stoughton and Sue (Brad Statz) Dondlinger of McFarland, WI. Oris was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, parents Henry and Anna and three brothers, Arnold, Howard and Donald Hougan sisters, Elda Rynning and Ruth Sagen and son in law Ed Dondlinger.

A funeral service led by Pastor Trent Saari of Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, WI will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St. Stoughton, WI. Visitation for friends and extended family will be on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 from 4pm until 7pm and one hour before the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. A private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations may be made to Agrace Hospice Care or the American Legion Post 59 in Stoughton, WI.

Please share your memories of Oris by posting on his Tribute Wall.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect Street, PO Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244