Walter Dean Hougas, age 87 of Monroe, died Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe. Walter was born October 21, 1924 in Pembina County, North Dakota, the son of Harley Jay and Maude Roberta (Richardson) Hougas. He graduated from High School in Iron River, WI and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1953. Walt married Agnes Washington of Alexandria, Virginia in 1948. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marines as a Licensed Second Assistant Engineer from 1943 until 1949. He was employed as a salesman in Ocean Freight for 36 years. Walt served the Monroe community as an active member of the Monroe morning Optimist Club receiving the Optimist of the Year Award in 2006-2007 and the Christian D. Larson Partners membership in 2010.

He is survived by his wife, Agnes Hougas of Monroe; a daughter, Anne (Richard) Watman of Monroe; two sons, Walt Jr. (Angeline) Hougas of McFarland, WI and Robert (Angela) Hougas of Delavan, WI; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert Hougas; and his sister, Eva Skudstad.

A celebration of Walter's life will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, with The Rev. Brian Backstrand of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be given in Walter's name to Optimist International. To share a memory or sign the guestbook go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.