Joseph Houska Jr.

Joseph Frank Houska Jr., age 79, of Elsie, MI, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at his home (not Covid related).

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 1:00 P.M., with Rev. Fr. David Jenuwine and Mr. Thomas J. Bradley officiating.  Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. and also on Saturday, February 13, 2021 from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral home. A prayer service will be held on Friday at the funeral home at 6:00 P.M.

Joseph was born in Elsie, MI on December 3, 1941, the son of Joseph Frank and Mildred Ann (Fornusek) Houska. He graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1959.  Joe married Joyce Marie Thelen on April 23, 1966 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI.

Joe was a lifelong farmer. He started farming at 11 years old and worked up until the day he passed. He enjoyed all hunting, but especially deer hunting. Joe loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also liked playing his accordion and gardening. Joe was a volunteer for the Elsie Ambulance Service for many years, and a lifetime member of the ZCBJ Lodge, Bannister.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Joyce Houska of Elsie, MI; children: Joe III and Kristy Houska of Elsie, MI, Jan and Todd Gulick of Grand Ledge, MI, Julie and Russ Smith of Elsie, MI, and Jeff and Carrie Houska of Elsie, MI; grandchildren: Jensen and Zack Schmidt, Wesley Houska and Fisher "David" Houska, Jackie and Matt Harris, Adam Gulick, Robbie Klco and fiancée Abby Brenz, Jeffrey and Kelsey Houska, Justin Houska and fiancée Destinee Rice, and Jamie Houska, great-grandchildren: Connor Harris, baby boy Harris on the way, Elliot Schmidt, and baby Houska on the way; brother John and Rosemary Houska of Elsie, MI, in-laws: Carlene and Jerry Smith, Diane and John Kusnier (lifelong best friend), Mary Jane Feldpausch, Donna Seay, Eileen Schneider, Judy and Bruce Cameron, and Lynn and Janet Thelen.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Laurene and Carl Thelen, in- laws: Ron Schneider, Dale Feldpausch, and John Seay.

Memorials may be made to WOES Radio, Elsie, MI or to Elsie Fire and Rescue, Elsie, MI. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.