Father Carroll Houle

1935-2020

Carroll Houle, 85, of Norfolk, Va. passed away on Easter morning under the care of hospice. Memorial masses will take place at a later date in Minnesota and Virginia.

Carroll was born on Jan. 26, 1935 to Loyd and Kathryn Houle at Fort Ripley, Minn. He went to high school at St. Nazareth’s hall, and then went to St. Paul’s Seminary. He then attended Maryknoll Seminary in New York. After his ordination in 1962 he was assigned to Tanzania and Kenya Africa. He spent the next 37 plus years working with the poor, and for peace in these areas. In 1999 he was assigned to the United States. He worked for the Maryknoll office of Global Concerns and was the Maryknoll representative to the United Nations. He was also involved with helping the homeless in New York City.

In 2009 he retired to Charlottesville, Virginia where he again worked with the poor helping in food pantries and soup kitchens. Because of his health in 2019 he moved to Norfolk, Va. and lived in a home run by the Catholic workers. Whenever he could he served breakfast to the homeless veterans.

Carroll is survived by four brothers, James (Barbara) and Thomas (Mary), all of Medford, Robert (Rebecca) of Brainerd, Minn. and Richard (Doreen) of Coon Rapids, Minn.; one sister, Julie Williams of Grand Rapids, Mich; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Carroll was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Donald; one brother- in-law, Earl; and one nephew, Bradley.

Carroll considered Medford his home. He was very grateful for the friendships and support he received for Africa through the many generous people of Medford.

Carroll will be missed by many communities world wide.

If anyone wishes to donate towards Carroll’s memorial, please give to the local food pantries.

Paid Obituary 88381