David J. Houdek

David J. Houdek, 62, of Grand Island was called to his heavenly home Friday, May 31, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, June 6th, at 10:30 AM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Father Marty Egging leading the celebration of life. Entombment of ashes will be in the Grand Island Cemetery Columbarium. Gathering of family and friends will be Wednesday, June 5th, from 5-7 PM with a Rosary Vigil at 7 PM at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family. In memory of David, memorials will be made to the family’s choice, ALS of the Heartland. David was born on April 12, 1957 in Lincoln, NE while the family was living near Valparaiso, NE. Dave was the first son, second of seven, of Jerome and Elsie (Benes) Houdek. He attended District 61 Country School near Hallam, NE. In 1971, his family moved to a farm near Chapman, NE. Dave attended Chapman Elementary and graduated from Grand Island Northwest High School. He chose to continue his education, receiving a degree in diesel mechanics from Hastings Community College. Dave began driving a tractor and helping with the family farm when he was 10 years old. Dave, his father Jerome, and his uncle Rudy farmed until both Jerome and Rudy passed away in 1995. Dave continued the farming tradition with his brother Joe. During some winter months, Dave worked at Neon Signs & Designs and United Signs. Dave and Joe built several homes, including their own, and always helped their brother and sisters with re-modeling their homes. He served on the Chapman School Board for 14 years, was a member of Blessed Sacrament, and the Knights of Columbus. Dave was married to LeeAnn Wieczorek and together they had three children. He later married Candy Hull-Castillo, and loved her two children as his own. Dave and Candy later had a son, making them a full family of eight. He loved spending time with his family, and he loved the company of his friends. Dave’s time battling ALS was spent with so many caring people. His final wishes were to extend his sincere appreciation to all of his family, friends, caregivers, especially his fiancé, Shelly Church. These kindhearted people selflessly gave their time, talents, and love, caring for him with compassion and grace, even during the most difficult moments. He and his family could not have fought this fight without the constant support…especially from Shelly. He had many visitors, and he valued showing his love to others and cherished the love that was returned. Dave was surrounded in prayer and considered himself lucky to be prayed over by Deacon Don Placke, Father Marty Egging, Father James Golka and Pastor Jay. Those left to cherish his memory include his fiancé, Shelly Newquist Church; his children, Kellie (Brian) Murphy of Grand Island NE, Ryan (Heidi) Houdek of Cedar Park TX, Eric (Heather) Houdek of Austin TX, Melissa (Seth) Castillo of Minneapolis MN, Amanda (Perry) Rucker of Louisville NE, and Caleb (Bailey) Houdek of Omaha NE; grandchildren, Tyler, Drew, Keira, Trey, Hayden, Bostyn, Zoee, Paisley, Jackson, Lincoln and Cassidy; children of Shelly, Clint (Jennifer) Church of Kearney NE, Sadie (Tyler) Horak of St. Libory NE, and Caleb Church of Clarks NE; grandchildren Brooks, Beckham, and Oaklyn; his mother, Elsie Houdek of Chapman NE; his brothers, Gerard (Danette) Houdek of Grand Island NE, and Joe (Darla) Houdek of Chapman NE; sisters, Theresa Lawrence of Chapman NE, Rose (Bob) Helgoth of St. Libory, Corinne (Dan) Brockhaus of Lincoln NE, and Mariann (Paul) Andersen of Blair NE; and 19 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father Jerome Houdek, and his uncle Rudy Benes.

David J. Houdek

April 12, 1957 - May 31, 2019

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David J. Houdek

April 12, 1957 - May 31, 2019

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support