Charles James Morehouse, age 89, of Hutchinson, MN formerly of Dassel, MN died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel where Rev. Marvin Norlien and Rev. Linda Norlien officiated the memorial service. The interment of the urn was held at the Dassel Community Cemetery following the service.
There was a one-hour time to gather on Saturday morning at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel.
The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel was in charge of the memorial arrangements.
Charles James Morehouse, the son of Charley and Helen (Stolsmark) Morehouse, was born on Sept. 21, 1935, in Webster. Jim grew up in the Bristol area. Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Dassel.
As a young man, Jim worked alongside his father on their family farm. Demonstrating exceptional ingenuity, he developed a rock picker to ease their labor. This innovation laid the foundation for his successful business, Morehouse Welding and Sales, where he crafted numerous rock pickers and customized items, including trailers, for the community. Jim later relocated to Dassel, where he gained recognition for creating the renowned vertical log splitter, often with the assistance of his son, Mike. One of his final projects before retirement was the design of a winch system that facilitated the lowering of trailer fish houses onto the ice, a system he mass-produced for his customized fish houses.
Jim treasured spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips, often traveling to his favorite spots with loved ones who appreciated his storytelling along the way. He took pride in his wife’s cooking, which was a highlight of family gatherings, bringing joy and warmth to their home. Jim’s spirit shone through his love for jokes and pranks. He will be remembered for his warmth, laughter and the deep love he had for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the cherished moments spent surrounded by those he loved.
He is survived by his children, Shari (Steve) Kuehl of Hutchinson; Michael Morehouse of Watkins, MN; Lynn (Patrick) Noack of Eden Prairie, MN; and Lee Peterson of Darwin, MN; eleven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Curtis (Marcia) Morehouse of Bristol along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Morehouse; his parents; his brother, Jerry Morehouse; nephews Bryan Morehouse and David Morehouse; and great-granddaughter, Lily Howard.