Eugene Houdek

Eugene F. Houdek, age 97, of Antigo passed away to his eternal home Friday, November 17, 2023 at Aspirus Langlade Hospital.

Eugene was born April 30, 1926 in Antigo to the late Charles and Ella (Johanek) Houdek.

After graduating high school in 1944, Gene met the love of his life at Mattek's dance hall in Neva Corners. They were married on December 15th, 1948 at Peace Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 50th in 1998, and in total 72 years of marriage. Eunice preceded Gene in death on May 16, 2021. After marriage Gene bought two trucks and started a local milk route for Kraft Foods. Afterwards he worked for Kraft Foods in Antigo for 32 years.

Being blessed with a long retirement, Gene and Eunice loved spending time at their cottage on Enterprise Lake with family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time at the hunting cabin, being in the outdoors. More than anything he loved and enjoyed spending time with his family. Gene was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to talk about his many moose hunting trips to Canada. Over the years Gene was active in the community. He was a member of the Lions Club of Antigo, volunteering time at the Rosholt Lions Camp, delivering donated eyeglasses that serve optical missions around the world.

He was a member and co-founder of the Antigo Bow Club, and the Lutheran bowling league. He was a part of the Men's club, which held Peace Lutheran's annual sauerkraut dinner. He spent many hours preparing the cabbage at home to serve thousands of dinners over the years.

He had a very strong faith in GOD, and he was a long time member of Peace Lutheran Church serving as an usher, elder and trustee.

Eugene is survived by 2 daughters Jeanne (Keith) Antoniewicz of Hortonville, Joanne (Randy King) Degner of Antigo, 3 Sons, Gary (Faith) Houdek of Sun City Center, Florida, Larry (Darcie) Houdek of Deerbrook, Daniel (Cindy) Houdek of Antigo, grandchildren; Stephanie (Paul) Kling, Amanda (Dan) Hoechst, Paula Servin, Michael Musolff (fiancé Mindy Reyes and her daughter Kya), Megan (Wes) Williams, Lindsey Houdek (Jesse), Brandon(Nicole) Houdek, Molly Houdek, Nicholas Houdek, Matthew Houdek, and great grandchildren; Norah and Anna Kling, Brady and Finley Hoechst, Abigail and Justin Servin, Alyson (Brandon)Buntrock, Mikah Musolff, Liam, Cole, and Dahlia Williams, Bode, Goldie, and Poppie Houdek, great great grandchildren; Boston, Kaslyn, Revin, and Ellie Jo Buntrock, sisters; Dorothy Mach of Little Chute, Shirley Drexler of Wautoma, Arleen Plzak of Antigo, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Eunice and parents, Eugene was preceded in death by sisters; Evelyn Schmoll and Elaine Walters, and a brother Robert Houdek.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church. Reverend David Karolus and Jeff Nielsen will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until the service at the church. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery.

The Houdek family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff at Aspirus Langlade Hospital and also a very special thank you to Jill Lewandowski and her Hands with Hearts staff for always going above and beyond and for being an instrumental part of keeping Gene in his home.

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