Obituary for Michael James Houston
Age 77, of Minneapolis, peacefully took his last breath on April 10, 2023 after a long battle with CNS lymphoma. Michael will be remembered as a humble, kind, and generous man who lived for the betterment of others. He leaves behind his loving wife Patricia, daughter Kerry, brother Dennis (Sharon) of Florida and brother-in-law Richard of North Carolina. Preceded in death by parents, James and Claudia Houston.
Michael was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois where he met the love of his life, Patricia. He was a committed husband and father, taking great care of his daughter Kerry and enjoying the company of Pat on trips around the globe. Michael and Pat appreciated exploring new global destinations, enjoying the local cuisine, tasting wine, and collecting art in destinations such as Lithuania, Cuba, Poland, China, France and Spain, among countless trips to Vienna, a favorite for the both of them. More than anything, Michael enjoyed people and found great meaning in mentorship as a way of life.
Michael retired from his role as Professor and Associate Dean at the Carlson School of Management in 2020. He is fondly remembered as a dedicated leader with a passion for instilling a global business mindset in students. Mike played an instrumental role in expanding the Carlson School of Management’s footprint, locally and internationally.
Michael also held academic positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, and Western Illinois University. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Michael's legacy lives on through his family, colleagues, former students, research and the lasting Carlson School of Management relationships with universities across the globe.
Funeral service at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1918 University Ave NE) on Wednesday, April 26 at 11am with visitation one hour prior and lunch immediately following. Private family interment to follow.
Memorials can be made to the Michael and Patricia Houston Fund for Study Abroad Scholarships at the Carlson School of Management. Give online at https://z.umn.edu/HoustonScholarship or make checks payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 and include the fund name.
Michael was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois where he met the love of his life, Patricia. He was a committed husband and father, taking great care of his daughter Kerry and enjoying the company of Pat on trips around the globe. Michael and Pat appreciated exploring new global destinations, enjoying the local cuisine, tasting wine, and collecting art in destinations such as Lithuania, Cuba, Poland, China, France and Spain, among countless trips to Vienna, a favorite for the both of them. More than anything, Michael enjoyed people and found great meaning in mentorship as a way of life.
Michael retired from his role as Professor and Associate Dean at the Carlson School of Management in 2020. He is fondly remembered as a dedicated leader with a passion for instilling a global business mindset in students. Mike played an instrumental role in expanding the Carlson School of Management’s footprint, locally and internationally.
Michael also held academic positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Texas A&M University, and Western Illinois University. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Michael's legacy lives on through his family, colleagues, former students, research and the lasting Carlson School of Management relationships with universities across the globe.
Funeral service at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1918 University Ave NE) on Wednesday, April 26 at 11am with visitation one hour prior and lunch immediately following. Private family interment to follow.
Memorials can be made to the Michael and Patricia Houston Fund for Study Abroad Scholarships at the Carlson School of Management. Give online at https://z.umn.edu/HoustonScholarship or make checks payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation, P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266 and include the fund name.