John James Houska

      John James Houska, age 79, of Elsie, MI, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024.
      A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Please, join us for a dinner/open house at the ZCBJ Lodge, Bannister, MI, from 1-4 P.M. following the service.
     John was born in Elsie, MI, on August 16, 1944, the son of Joseph and Mildred (Fornusek) Houska. He was a graduate of Elsie High School with the Class of 1962. On May 5, 1979, he married Rosemary Fabus at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister.
     John was an avid gardener and a lifelong farmer. Farming was dear to his heart. John played the accordion in his earlier years and loved polka music. Spending time with his grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge in Bannister.
     He is survived by his wife Rosemary Houska of Elsie, MI; son Jason and Michelle Houska of Elsie, MI; daughter Marcie Houska of East Lansing, MI; grandchildren: Jordan Quinn, Alex Taphouse, Dominic Houska, Joanna Scott, and John "Jack" Scott. John was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Mildred Houska, his brother Joe Houska, and his granddaughter Ashley Taphouse.
     Memorials may be made in John's honor to the ZCBJ Lodge. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.