Clayton Houff, Jr.

Clayton Ronald Houff, 42, of Lakeshore, died Friday, September 14, 2012. A Celebration of Clayton's life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Cragun's Legacy Pavilion in East Gull Lake, MN. Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday evening, September 19 from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

Clayton was born December 24, 1969 in Mankato, MN, the son of Clayton Ronald Houff, Sr. and Mary M. (Louk) Houff. As he grew up, Clayton lived in various parts of Minnesota as well as Shaker Heights, OH prior to graduating from Minneapolis Southwest in 1988. In the late 1990s, he made the Brainerd Lakes Area his home. His passion for golf turned into a career when he began working at Grandview and then the last six years for Cragun's as a Golf Sales Manager. His infectious laugh and ever-present smile made him many fast and close friends. Good food and good music were a must in Clayton's life and he did his best to enjoy it all. He was a voracious reader. He liked spending time outdoors on his motorcycle or enjoying a hunting trip with his father. His generous spirit was evident every time you mentioned you needed help - he was always ready to lend a hand. His zest for life was inspiring. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his father, Clayton (Karen) Houff, Sr.; sister, Sarah (Ben) Hoese; nephew, Theo Gilbertson; life-partner, Angie Broadhead; step-siblings, Kristin (Paul) Johnshoy, Brian (Michelle) Prestholdt, and Robb (Rebecca) Prestholdt; grandmother, Ruth M. Houff; so many friends - too numerous to list but too close not to mention; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; his grandparents, Ione and Harry Louk and Ronald Houff; friend, Brad Schutte; and his beloved cats, Lenny and Earl.