HOUDEK, Thomas John 1993-2016

HOUDEK, SOLBERG

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 7/20/2016 at 09:43:02

Thomas John "TJ" Houdek

Birth: May 5, 1993
Death: July 17, 2016

Thomas John "TJ" Houdek, 23, of Charles City, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016.

A memorial service for TJ Houdek will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2016 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Charles City with Pastor Jane Keel officiating. Inurnment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery in Nashua.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Hauser Funeral Home on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will continue one hour prior to the memorial service at the church on Friday.

Thomas John "TJ" Houdek, the son of Thomas Arthur and Diane Michelle (Solberg) Houdek, was born May 5, 1993 in Charles City. He attended school in Charles City where he was involved with trap shooting, cross country, wrestling and other activities. TJ graduated from Charles City High School in 2011 and worked at Hy-Vee in Charles City and later at the Hy-Vee Bakery in Mason City before starting his college career. He attended school at NIACC in Mason City receiving his degree in Criminal Justice. TJ was currently going to Iowa State University in Ames and had one semester remaining before he would have earned his degree in Dairy Science.

TJ worked at Tori's in Charles City, Es Tas Bar and Grill in Ames and most recently at Outlaws in Ames as a bartender. He was also employed by Floyd County one summer doing road work, Harley Davidson in Ames, The Iowa State University Dairy and the dairy farm in Kensett, Iowa. TJ really enjoyed the work he did and the people he was able to work for and with at all of his positions. He loved being outside whether it was hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle, golfing or just hanging out with family and friends. TJ was a member of Ducks Unlimited (receiving the Diamond Hitch Award), was President of Iowa State University Ducks Unlimited Student Chapter and a member of the Dairy Science Club.

Living family members include his parents, Tom and Diane Houdek of Charles City; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Solberg of Floyd; aunts and uncles: Sandra Paul of Charles City, Sharon Luckenbaugh of Little Rock, Arkansas, John (Teri) Houdek of Paris, Texas, Michael (Mary) Solberg of Nora Springs, Susan Helmer of Saint Peters, Missouri, Thomas (Pam) Solberg of Clear Lake, Linda Couillard of Floyd and Janet Solberg of Knoxville; along with numerous cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Virgil and Dorothy Houdek; and his maternal grandfather, Ervin Solberg.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Iowa State Ducks Unlimited Student Chapter.

Source: Hauser Funeral Home website, 7/20/2016

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NEWS STORY--

FLOYD — A Charles City man was killed early Sunday evening when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by a semi just south of Floyd.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Thomas Houdek, 23, of Charles City, was killed a little after 5 p.m. when he pulled out in front of a semitrailer being driven by Joshua Brood, 44, of Plainfield.

The report said Houdek, riding a 2004 Harley-Davidson, was crossing Highway 18 from Quarry Road, entering Highway 18 northbound.

He pulled out from the stop sign in front of Brood, driving a 2001 Peterbilt semi, and Houdek was struck by the semi.

Brood applied the brakes and attempted to avoid a collision, causing the semi to roll over and eject him.

Brood was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa in Mason City by Mercy Air Life. He was admitted to the hospital and listed in fair condition Sunday evening, and was discharged Monday, according to a nursing supervisor.

Houdek was pronounced dead at the scene, the state patrol reported.

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 7/22/16