Marlyn Houk

life story

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather

Please see Marlyn's obituary and service details below. If you wish to watch the service it will be streamed live on YouTube on Sunday August 23 at 2:00pm

https://www.youtube.com/live/exjLOutqMIg

Marlyn Orville Houk

Marlyn Orville Houk, age 88, was a strong and faithful believer in Jesus. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, stepdad, cousin, proud veteran, and a loyal friend. He took his last breath here on earth on August 6, 2026, in New Hope, Minnesota, with his daughter Jill by his side. After many years of fighting prostate cancer and diabetes, Marlyn has been promoted to his new HOME in Heaven.

Marlyn Orville Houk, son of William Orville Houk and Adella Viola Schaumann, was born September 4th, 1937, in a farmhouse near Manannah, Minnesota. He lived on that farm until he was six years old, when the family moved to another farm west of Manannah. Marlyn was the oldest of three children having 2 younger sisters, Ilene and Beverly. His parents raised him in a Christ centered home. It was growing up on the farm where Marlyn learned early on, the value of hard work, perseverance, and where he developed the strong work ethic that would define so much of his life.

Marlyn began his education in a one-room schoolhouse, where he walked up hill both ways. He graduated from Paynesville High School in 1956. In 1957, he moved to Minneapolis, where he lived with his cousin and dear friend, James Olson. He attended Dunwoody Industrial Institute, where he studied general auto repair.

On June 11th, 1960, Marlyn married Audrey Anderson. During their first three months of marriage, they purchased their first home, and shortly afterward, Marlyn was drafted into the United States Army. While stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, Marlyn and Audrey welcomed twin sons, Stephen and Robert, who lived for only a few hours. Audrey and Marlyn never had the opportunity to see or hold their boys. (But they now have!) While stationed in Germany, during the Berlin Crisis, Audrey suffered a miscarriage. Later, Jeff, Jill, and Joel were born in the USA and completed their family. Marlyn had the ability to fix most anything, and as a good Dad, he tried to pass along everything he could to his kids, and instilled a sometimes described, “fierce work ethic” in them. (And at times was more passionate about the project or driven to get it done than his kids were).

Marlyn was a really good husband and dad, led & provided for his family well, and had his priorities in the right place. Marlyn had 4 brother-in-laws (and two amazing sister-in-laws) that were the brothers he never had. Spiritually speaking and in other ways as well, Marlyn and Audrey have left their children (and their children and their children, etc.) with a tremendous blessing of a rich heritage and legacy. To God be the glory!

After being honorably discharged from the Army in September of 1962, Marlyn began working for Nicholas Hansemann, making deliveries. His strong work ethic did not go unnoticed, and in 1976, he was invited to join the partnership. He remained with the company until 1991. In 1987, Marlyn purchased North Star Service & Supply, Inc., which was renamed Tool Warehouse, Inc. in 1999. Marlyn never really believed in retirement. He was still working in September of 2025, when he proudly spent his 37th year working at the Tool Warehouse exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.

Marlyn’s faith and trust in Jesus were always the most important parts of his life. If something was happening at church, he and his family were there. He served on the church board as a deacon at Park Assembly of God in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where he served two six-year terms during the 1980s and 1990s. He also spent many hours trying to keep the old church buses running so that kids could get to church. Marlyn loved working with “the guys” on church projects at Park Assembly and Crowne Pointe Church. He was always willing to lend a hand, fix something, build something, or simply be there to help.

Marlyn loved spending time at Lake Jessie, where lifelong friendships were a very special part of his life. Every once in a while, he even caught enough fish to make a meal. Family ski trips to Colorado were some of the most cherished memories he blessed his children with. There were also vacations to Norway, Germany, Canada, California, Kentucky, and Florida where many treasured family memories were made, as did every day spent at Lake Jessie. He enjoyed grouse and deer hunting with Jeff and Joel at “Fur & Fowl”, hunting land he owned with a group of friends.

Marlyn had a very special place in his heart for his grandkids/great grandkids. He enjoyed many special times attending their sporting events cheering them on and at family gatherings. One special memory is when he took his sons and grandsons on an overnight ice fishing adventure. A special phrase he coined for his grandkids, was “Oh no I love you first, I beat you! (Pinch pinch).” There were so many special memories made with Papa at Lake Jessie from riding dirt bikes, the three-wheeler and four wheeler, and learning how to clean fish.

Sadly, after 51 years of marriage, Audrey passed away in October 2011. Her death was a very difficult time for Marlyn. Audrey had spent so many years trying to “fix him up” that most of his flaws had been corrected by then. Without her, Marlyn was lost for a while and wasn’t quite sure what to do. Then a new twinkle appeared in Marlyn’s eye when he started to notice Ardyce Tidrick. Marlyn and Ardyce were married in February 2014 and made their home in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Although they did not have children together, their marriage joined two large and loving families. Ardyce’s son, Tom & his wife Marilyn were a special bonus.

Marlyn and Ardyce shared 12 wonderful years together. They enjoyed traveling, including two cruises, taking rides on his Harley-Davidson trike, and spending time together on the swing at Lake Jessie, looking out over the lake and dreaming. They loved bouncing between their two families and their loud, fun get-togethers. Neither of them wanted to miss ANY of the fun with either family. They enjoyed and felt very blessed watching their families grow with each new great grandchild born into the family. They made it a habit to pray for each and every family member daily.

Their faith was such an important part of the life they built together. They were deeply involved with their church family at Crowne Pointe Church where Marlyn served on the church board and they served together by preparing communion. They considered Crowne Pointe their extended family. They also enjoyed Bible study with a special group of friends for many years. Friday nights have held a very special place in their hearts for many years, meeting with members of the Hollen family for supper at some local restaurant and then trading off weekly going to each other‘s homes for dessert.

Marlyn is survived by his dear wife, Ardyce Tidrick Houk. His children: Jeff Houk and Mary, Jill Hagemeister and Brent, Melissa Houk, wife of the late Joel Houk, Stepson Tom Tidrick and wife Marilyn. He is also survived by Marlyn & Audrey’s 11 grandchildren & 7 great grandchildren, and Marlyn & Ardyce’s 5 grandchildren & 10 great grandchildren, and so many other extended family and friends.

Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents; Orville and Adella Houk, and two sisters; Ilene Nitardy and Beverly Thomsen, beloved first wife, Audrey Houk; their infant twin sons, Stephen and Robert Houk; and their son, Joel Houk.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 in the afternoon with fellowship, visitation and desserts following at:

Crowne Pointe Church 7121 Bloomington Avenue South Richfield, MN 55423

A private interment will take place at Fort Snelling at a later date.

memorial service

Celebration of Life Service

August 23, 2026

Crowne Pointe Church 7121 Bloomington Ave S, Richfield, MN 55423, USA

Please join us for dessert and fellowship/visitation right after the service.