Leona Houdek

Leona E. (Holtz) Houdek passed away April 14, 2024, at Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington, Nebraska.

A Service of Praise will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Visitation is Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church. The Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard will offer a tribute.  Immediately following the service, burial will take place in West Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Grand Island.

Leona E. Houdek was born September 11, 1942, to Walter F. and Agnes H. C. (Gruhn) Holtz on the family farm near Shelton, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Wood River, NE. Leona attended a public school in rural Hall Co. where she got her K-8th grade education at District 35. She then went on to attend high school in Shelton, graduating in 1960. In the fall, she attended school in Kearney where she received her LPN training. In the fall of 1961, Leona moved to Columbus, NE and began working at St. Mary's Hospital. Through the years, she worked in various departments and hospital mergers. She then retired after 45 years of service.
Leona was united in marriage to Melvin E. Houdek at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus on July 27, 1968. They lived their entire married lives in Columbus.
Leona was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and after retirement, became very active in different sewing and quilting groups. She also enjoyed helping with Red Cross Blood Drives and other church activities.

Leona is survived by:
Brother: Rodney (Marcia) Holtz of Lexington
Brother: Larry Holtz of Lincoln
Brother: Eldon Holtz of Strasburg, CO
Niece: NaKia (Darrell) Watermeier
- Children: Hailey and Taylor
Nephew: Curtis (Cory)
- Daughter: Oliva
Nephew: Darin (Val) Lawless
- Children: Maddie and Tyler

Leona was preceded in death by:
Her dear husband, Melvin
Sister: LaDene Rockford
Sister-in-law: Shirley Holtz
Nieces: Nicole and Nannet Holtz
Nephew: Christopher Lawless