William Eli Houtonen, 91 of Great Falls, passed away September 27, 2014 of natural causes. Cremation has been entrusted to Croxford Funeral Home and no services are planned at this time.

William was born August 27, 1923 in Red Lodge, MT. His active military service interrupted his education at the University of Montana. From 1942-1946 he served honorably in the US Navy and upon his release from active duty he returned to the U of M and graduated in 1948. In that same year he was married to the love of his life, Marcene Moore, in Idaho Falls.

He worked at General Motors, Bison Motor Company, and also at First National Bank in the auto loans department. William sang in the Great Falls Barber Shop Chorus for several years, enjoyed bowling, golfing and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Marcene Houtonen; daughter, Jane (John) Witt of Spokane, WA; sons, Michael (Cynthia) Houtonen of Big Fork, MT and Douglas Houtonen of Great Falls; as well as five grandchildren.

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