Colleen Theresa Houle, of Alma, Michigan, formerly of Chelsea, age 90, died Wednesday, December 11, 2019, at Masonic Pathways in Alma, Michigan. She was born April 22, 1929, in Gladstone, MI, the daughter of Andrew & Prudence (Taylor) Rappette.
Colleen graduated from Escanaba High School Class of 1947. She was the Delta County Potato Queen, then the UP Potato Queen in 1946, and finally was chosen to be the first UP State Fair Queen in 1946. It was at the Fair Queen ceremony that she met her future husband, Robert Houle. She worked at Chelsea State Bank for 27 years, where she was the executive assistant to Mr. Mann and Mr. Schaible. Colleen was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and worked in the office for years. She was also a member of the Franciscan Third Order for several years. She and Robert toured the Midwest with the Shroud of Turin.
On January 20, 1948, she married Robert Peter Houle in Gladstone, MI, and he proceeded her in death on June 11, 2018. Survivors include four sons, Gary (Liz) of Ann Arbor, Rodney (Kathy) of Mississippi, Anthony (Cathy) of South Lyon, and Kevin (Mary) of Midland; two daughters-in-law, Annette and Rachel; her brother Leroy (Sue) Rappette; 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel and Lynn; her brother Keith and his wife Mary Lou; and her brother Dale.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 16, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at Cole Funeral Chapel Sunday from 4-6 pm with a Rosary at 6 pm, and Monday 10-11 am at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of Chelsea, St. Louis Center, or the Alzheimer's Association.