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William "Bill" Allen Houston, Jr. passed away at his residence in Cambridge, on January 8, 2015, at the age of 50.

Bill Jr. was born to Bill and Jackie (Dempsey) Houston  May 12, 1964 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Bill grew up on a lake in rural Stacy, Minnesota and enjoyed canoeing, hunting, fishing and camping. He attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Stacy where he was confirmed in 1979. Growing up, Bill played the trumpet, as well as baseball, basketball and football for North Branch Schools where he graduated in 1983.

Bill attended Dunwoody Institute where he studied the culinary arts and specialized in baking. He worked at Koep's Village Bakery in North Branch for several years and then worked as a jailer for Chisago County where he met his wife, Kelly. Bill and Kelly married on New Year’s Eve of 1994 and nine  months later Abby Lee arrived. Following the birth of his daughter, Bill owned and operated a successful chimney sweep business for five years before selling it and returning to the hospitality industry. He retired due to medical complications from a life long struggle with diabetes.  

Bill was an avid history buff and reader, he enjoyed playing fantasy football and baseball, and keeping up with current events. He also enjoyed getting out on the golf course with his brother and father, watching the Minnesota Vikings and participating in the family football picks.

Bill is survived by his beautiful daughter, Abby, who is currently finishing Military Police training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. She was the light of Bill's life and he was so proud that she was able to carry on the family tradition of military service.
Bill is also survived by his parents Jackie and Steve Forner of Pine City and Bill and Nancy Houston of Clarkfield, MN; grandparents Johnie and Ruth Sturgeon of Clarkfield, MN; Abby's mother Kelly Houston of Webb Lake, WI; sister Shelley Houston of Duluth; brother Mark (Kathy) Anderson of Brooklyn Park; niece Krista Hawkinson of Bloomington; and his favorite nephew and best friend Rick Hawkinson (Jenna) of Isanti; brother in law Rick (Shawna) Gearhart and sons of St. Croix Falls, WI; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and furry friends, Sassy and Boots.

Bill was preceded in death by great grandparents Bill and Helen Houston, grandparents Al and Ann Houston, and Joseph and Edna Dempsey; brother-in-law Rich Hawkinson.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.

Memorial services were  Monday, January 12, 2015 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch with Rev. Gary Guptill officiating.  Serving as organist was Ken Cheney and soloist was Dan Ford.  Visitation was held  Monday at the funeral home.  Family interment will take place at a later date.
 
Arrangements were under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral home in North Branch.  Condolences maybe left at www.grandstrand fh.com.

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