THIS SERVICE HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE. PLEASE CHECK LATER IN JULY FOR SERVICE TIMES
Dennis C. Houdek 80, died Saturday July 4, 2020 at Newton Medical Center. He was born October 23, 1939 in Agenda, Kansas to Bedford and Agnes (Anderson) Houdek. On November 4, 1962 he married Anita Trecek at Agenda, Kansas and she preceded him in death on February 10, 2016.
Dennis was a longtime active member of the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton where he not only served on the Board of Trustees but was the church grounds keeper and for many years he could be seen on the large mower keeping the church yard mowed and cared for.
Dennis worked in sales for the former Evans Grain company which was acquired by KOCH agricultural division. He was a “farm boy” through and through and enjoyed his work. He still had the family farm in Republic County and looked forward to spending time on the home place. Traveling the Midwest on the back country roads and exploring with his companion Linda were an enjoyable time.
He enjoyed wood working, gardening and keeping up with his Czechoslovakian roots listening to Polka Bands. Dennis could often be found around town on his bicycle. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, and they will miss his offer of butter popcorn to all who visited.
He is survived by his sons: Douglas of Lenexa Kansas and Greg of Roeland Park Kansas; daughter Connie Armstrong of Copper Canyon, Texas; and brother Larry Houdek of Salina, Kansas. He is also survived by his loving companion Linda Rist of Abilene, Kansas and 6 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Dennis is preceded in death by his wife Anita and his parents.
A memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2020 at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Donna Voteau presiding. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. Mask usage is highly recommended during both the visitation and the service and social distancing protocols will be encouraged during the memorial service.
A private family burial will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
So sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis! I worked with Dennis for 17 years at Evans Grain. I remember his sweet smile and his great love for Anita and his children. I remember one time talking to him about our grass not growing his comment was “I’m raising kids not grass right now “!
Such a wonderful obit. for wonderful man. Hugs and prayers to his dear family. So sorry I will not be able to come to his funeral. ..prior commitment.
Ed Armstrong says: There’s no doubt in my mind that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has welcomed my friend Dennis; whom I’ve always held in the highest regard with words that paraphrases the following: a lifetime spent as a faithful to others.
We will miss him. I always appreciated his kindness and generosity at church.
Doug, Greg, Connie, Larry & Barb and families – Our hearts are saddened to learn of Dennis’ death. He was such a fun,kind and intelligent man. Bruce has so many great memories of when “the older guys” would let their young cousin tag along on one of their adventures. He treasures those memories. I remember thinking one time when Aunt Agnes was at our house for lunch that it was so cool to hear her talk about Dennis and Larry. Her pride and joy in them was so obvious.
We are unable to join you on Saturday but want you all to know our hearts and prayers are with you. We wish you all the peace of your many memories with Dennis.
Bruce & Monica
Al and I are so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great guy who will definitely be missed by all who knew him. We certainly had a lot of fun times with him and your mom in the past. We cherish those memories! Unfortunately we won’t be able to attend his service as we have out of state company, but we send our love, prayers and hugs to you all.
Sandy and Al Asendorf
Doug, Greg, Connie and Larry and Barb,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you this week! I even got out pictures of Dennis and Anita’s wedding where I was a flower girl and of Christmas gatherings on the farm! Love you all and wish that I could attend the service. God bless you all with memories, tears and laughter as you celebrate Dennis’s life.
Love,
Cheryl Anderson Larmore
Doug,Greg,Connie, Larry, Barb, and Lori,
You have all been in my thoughts and prayers this week. I would love to see you all, but have decided not to attend because of Covid. I was lucky enough to be in Dennis and Anita’s wedding as a flower girl. I still remember how special that was and it created a permanent bond. The family I see in pictures of past Christmases is changing quickly. It saddens me. Dennis was such a gentle soul and a beautiful artist. Our few conversations since Anita’s passing have a special place in my heart. I love you all and will be with you in thoughts and prayers as you reflect, cry and laugh in celebration of his life.
Love,
Cheryl