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BORN
1944
DIED
2022
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Larry Houdek Obituary
Larry Houdek
September 24, 1944 - January 16, 2022
Larry Houdek, 77, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, at his home in Columbus.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 562 17th Ave. in Columbus, with the Rev. Patrick Harrison celebrating the Mass. Interment will be at 1:15 p.m. on Friday in the Clarkson Catholic Cemetery in Clarkson, Nebraska. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at Gass Haney Funeral Home with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Visitation will continue on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.
Larry was born on a small farm in Stanton County, Nebraska, on Sept. 24, 1944, to Emil and Mayme (Spulak) Houdek. He was the second born of seven children. He graduated from Clarkson High School in 1962 and finished his secondary education (associate degree) while working for Becton Dickinson. Larry retired from Becton Dickinson after 35-plus years of dedicated service. Larry married Judy Anne Buckendahl on April 19, 1965, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Stanton, Nebraska. To this union were born three daughters including Victoria Hinrichs (Michael), Katherine Havlat (Jeffrey) and Tracy Alves (Robert).
Larry was an avid golfer, bowler and took great pride in staying fit. He had a lifelong love of buying and selling cars. He was a lover of the Lord, laughter, music, motorcycles and especially his cats Pixie and Dixie. But most of all he was a lover of life. He loved his family fiercely and was a friend to all. Larry never met a stranger and always had an abundance of really bad jokes.
He was a 1991 charter and lifetime member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association. His Wing family brought him great joy. Larry's beautiful soul will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him.
Larry is survived by his siblings, Janice Scott (Doug), Emily Groene and Kenneth Houdek; brother-in-law, Robert Zegers; sister-in-law, Leona Houdek; daughters, Victoria Hinrichs (Michael), Katherine Havlat (Jeffrey) and Tracy Alves (Robert); grandchildren, Lindsey Menke (Keith), Brandon Havlat (Shayla), Ashley Meredith (Jess), Joshua Hinrichs (Ashley), Vincent and Anthony Alves; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mayme Houdek; and siblings, Melvin Houdek, Donnie Houdek and Mary Lou Zegers.
Memorials are suggested to Paws & Claws Adoption Center, 2124 13th St. in Columbus, Nebraska.
Condolences may be sent to www.gasshaney.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Houdek
Sponsored by Gass Haney Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Chris yza
January 22, 2022
I was astonished to hear of Larry´s tragic passing-my name is Chris Cyza-I worked with Larry for a summer back in 1992 at BD´s in Columbus, while I was figuring out which direction life would take me.
We had many lunch breaks together-there was another person who worked setup in 242 whose name escapes me, but they seemed to be pretty close friends.
One thing I remember about him going back 30 years was his love for the Subaru Brat-I think he used to buy/fix/drive them. I drive Subaru´s as well, and honestly I always remembered that about Larry.
My parents were Verg and Carol Cyza and worked with him at BD as well.
My condolences. Chris
Marvin and Janet Podany
January 19, 2022
Sympathy to the family. We are so sorry for your lose.
We will not be able to attend but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
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