Houdek, Lawrence "Larry" 1940 - 2026
HOUDEK, JAROSH, ALBERT, BIASTRE, BROOKS, JERTSON, VICK, STRASSER, MARHOUL, WITZKE, BELKEN
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 1/23/2026 at 10:53:34
Lawrence "Larry" Houdek, age 85, went to his home in Heaven on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with his wife by his side.
He was born October 11, 1940 to parents Gabriel & Viola (Jarosh) Houdek in Cresco, Iowa. He attended rural country schools until enrolling in Assumption Catholic School in Cresco. When his family moved to rural Kendalville, Iowa he then continued his education in the Harmony, Minnesota school district and graduated in 1959.
In the fall of 1959 he and a friend went to a Fall Festival in Lime Springs, Iowa where he met Pat Albert. He told his friend he was going to get a date with her, which he did. They were married four years later on May 18, 1962 at the Chester Methodist Church. Their first home was in Rochester, Minnesota where they were both employed. Their son, David was born in Rochester in 1963. Becoming tired of city life, Larry moved his family back to Cresco, Iowa. Their daughter Kelly was born in Cresco in 1965.
When the Donaldson Corporation came to Cresco, Larry was fortunate to be one of the first people to begin working there. After working there for 39 ½ years, he retired in 2004.
As a teen, he knew if he was going to have a car he would have to buy one to fix. His first car was a 1949 Ford. That began a lifetime of buying, mechanically fixing and restoring cars. He, with the help of his son, worked tirelessly on this passion. Some of his favorites were ‘55, ‘56. ‘57 and ‘62 Chevys, a ‘56 Ford Crown Victoria and his ‘31 Ford Model A. For several years he had his own shop, Houdek Repair, which he worked from out of his garage.
Larry rarely sat down. He could repair anything in their household that needed it. If he didn’t know how, he worked till he figured it out. He never threw anything away. So, if he needed a part, he always had an extra one.
Larry took his family on a summer vacation every year, traveling to fun sights…Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, several fishing trips to Northern Minnesota, St Louis & Lake of the Ozarks, Mo, Disney World in Florida, etc.
Larry also enjoyed motorcycles, having several Harley Davidsons and a Honda Goldwing which he and Pat took on a trip to Colorado. They decided four wheels were better than two and bought a convertible. Their ’2005 Ford Thunderbird 50th Anniversary Special was the last one they bought and enjoyed many road trips in it.
Fishing was another one of his favorite enjoyments. He began with his Dad and continued for many years. He and Pat spent many hours on the Mississippi, local trout streams and rivers. They always bet on the first fish, with Larry usually winning the bet.
Larry was a member of Notre Dame Parish, the Local 120 UAW, & the Bluff Country Cruisers Car Club. In its beginning years, he worked with the Cruise to Cresco as a judge and staff member.
Larry is survived by his wife Pat of 63 years, son David (Shelly) of Clear Lake, IA; daughter Kelly (George) Biastre of Jacksonville, Fl; grandchildren Grant Biastre, Jacksonville, FL and Dr. Sierra (Tanner) Brooks of Pittsburg, PA. Sisters Karen Jertson, Ila Vick, Patsy Houdek, Debbie Strasser; brother Steve (Janet) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by parents Gabe & Viola Houdek, sisters Loretta Marhoul, LuAnn in infancy; brothers in law George Marhoul, Ed Jertson, Don Vick, Eric Witzke, Ken Strasser, John Albert, & Joe Albert, sister in law Linda Belken and parents-in law Lorraine & Tressa Albert.
A Life Well Lived
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, with Father Jacob Rouse presiding. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the church and will continue until the time of services.
Source: Schmelzer Funeral Home database
Oak Lawn Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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