John Houdek

John Houdek, age 52, of Decorah, Iowa, died on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at his home from a sudden illness. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, Iowa, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. John was cremated and burial will be at a later date. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue in Decorah, Iowa. John Charles Houdek was born on May 5, 1956, the son of Marvin and Ann (Sheridan) Houdek in Decorah, Iowa. John attended St. Benedict’s Catholic School and graduated from North Winneshiek High School in 1975. John worked road construction for a couple of years and then at Camcar Textron for thirty-four years. John married Diane Jirak on June 11, 1977, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin. John enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking, repairing automobiles and he especially loved cooking for others. John loved young people and was a Boy Scout leader for Troop #66 for twenty years and he loved watching his children participate in school activities and sporting events. He was well known for wearing his shorts during the winter and for “shooting the bull”. John was a member of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. John’s survivors include his wife: Diane Houdek, Decorah, IA. Three children: Thomas Houdek, Decorah, IA; Jennifer Houdek and friend Niki, Decorah, IA and Jordan Houdek, Decorah, IA. His mother: Ann Houdek, Decorah, IA. Five sisters: Mary Jane (Ron) Michels, Decorah, IA; Roselyn Houdek, Burr Oak, IA; Georgette (Jeff) Pierce, Rochester, MN; Colleen (Loren) Busch, Burr Oak, IA, and Jacqueline (Darwin) Kupka, Decorah, IA. One brother: Michael (Loreen) Houdek, Burr Oak, IA. John’s father and mother-in-law: Ron & Blanche Jirak, Protivin, IA. One brother-in-law: Ken “Jake” (Sue) Jirak, Cresco, IA. One sister-in-law: Sherri (Tom) Achen, Lawler, IA. Nieces and nephews: Alex Michels, Jeremy (Emily) Pierce, Sarah & Dustin Pierce; Celine Houdek, Crystal, Chelcie and Cloey Busch; Justin and Jaimisen Kupka; Joshua (Jennifer) Houdek, Caleb (Alicia) Houdek, Aimee (Wes) Wesley, Amanda Jirak, Cory Jirak, Jeff (Katie) Mracek, Hannah, Madeline & Claire Achen. Great nieces and nephews: August & Clara Pierce, Conner & Delaney Houdek, Simone Wesley and Macy Mracek. Three uncles: Dwayne (Diane) Houdek, Mabel, MN; Richard (Marilyn) Houdek, Rochester, MN and Merle (Carol) Houdek, Rochester, MN. One aunt: Marion Johnson, Harmony, MN and many cousins. John was preceded in death by his father: Marvin Houdek on June 17, 2005.