Wayne Houdek
June 18, 1933 ~ October 8, 2010
Wayne Houdek, 77, of Onida, passed away Friday, October 8, 2010 at St. Mary’s Healthcare Center in Pierre of cancer.
Memorial services will be 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2010 at Luze Funeral Home in Highmore with Pastor Roger Day officiating. Burial will be in the Highmore Cemetery.
Wayne was born June 18, 1933 at the family farm in Hand County to Henry and Melva Houdek. He attended rural school in Hand County and after his parents bought a café in Highmore, he attended school in Highmore and graduated in 1951.
After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in California and Wyoming.
He married Geraldine Palon in August 9, 1952 and to this union nine children were born: Gail, Cosette, Scott, Laurie, Kelly Dana, Stephanie, Chad, and Heath. Wayne worked for the State Highway Department and also Johnson Construction. He was known across the area for his expertise at building roads and dams.
On November 2, 1983 he married Kaleen Wolfworth. Together they made their home in Onida for thirteen years.
He is survived by his children: Gail Claggett of Longview, WA, Cosette Nysetvoldt of Scappoose, OR, Scott Houdek Douglas, WY, Laurie Koski, Billings, MT, Kelly Koennecke of Portland, OR, Dana Grover of Scappoose, OR, Stephanie Houdek of Douglas, WY, and Heath Houdek of Scappoose, OR; his brother, Bob (Janice) Houdek of Highmore, SD; dear friend, Fran Smith of Onida, SD; 16 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Chad; parents; and grandparents.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Wayne’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are so sorry to hear about your Wayne. We know they are both in a better place and free of. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cosette & Family…Im so sorry for your loss. Both your dad and husband. Maybe it will be a comforting thought to think of them together.
Dearest family of Wayne,
My sincere sympathy and thoughts are with each of you during this difficult time. I feel blessed and honored to have spent such nice time with your father. He was a great teacher and he will “always” be special in my heart. Hugs to all of you. To Stephanie (Sam) and Scott, you are amazing,incredible and wonderful children. Your dad loved you both so very much! Forever, your father will be at eternal peace and joy! Take care. Thinking of you.
I wanted to pass on my condolescences to the Houdek family. I went to school with the Houdek children.
I will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts in this difficult time.
Again, I am sorry to hear of Mr. Houdek’s passing.
To Wayne’s family, My sympathy to you all for a man who I respected much. My love to you and may God Bless, Bret.
Wayne’s family
May you know many friends are sending prayers and thoughts your way during this time of sorrow. May God Bless you
Loren and Edith Wheelhouse
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob, Janice and Wayne’s children,
Our thoughts have been with you every since we heard Wayne was in hospice. Gary and Mickey Leafgreen
I am so sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. I went to school with a lot of the kids & grew up in Onida. Keep your memories close to your heart and know they are in a better place.
Family of Wayne Houdek; Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences. I played basketball with Wayne and I graduated in 52. Richard Bright.