Richard J. Houda

Richard J. Houda, Sr., age 83, died on March 12, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlene, nee Mlsek, his sons Dave, Rick (Debbie) and Tom (Ruth), daughter Janet (Doug) Rausch, beloved grandchildren, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his baby son Joel, his parents, Frank and Emily nee Cada, brothers Frank (Lorraine) and Ray, sisters Marie (Ray) Pechota and Marge (Dick) Sobie.

Dick was born in Chicago, IL, on February 22, 1934. He grew up in Cicero, IL, and attended J. Sterling Morton High School. After high school, he graduated from Western Electric Tool and Die School. He served with the U.S. Army Signal Corp from 1956-1958 in Germany. While serving, he attended the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair and spent New Year’s Eve in Paris.  After serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corp, Dick returned to Western Electric where he worked as a tool and die maker for 42 years. That is where he met the love of his life, his beloved Arlene.  They met in a bowling league, dated for a mere 8 months before getting engaged, and were married in front of a packed church of friends and family at St. Hugh on October 22, 1960.

Dick was an avid golfer.  He enjoyed golfing with his family, friends, and co-workers.  He was particularly proud of his family’s annual reunion called the Cousins Open, in which he was a 2-time champion.  He also found a way to give back to others through golf by working as a marshal for the WGA Western Open.  Dick was active in the Lyons McCook Little League as a manager and umpire-in-chief.  So many young men over the years have said that Mr. Houda was their favorite coach, umpire, or adult to be around during those formative years of their lives.  You didn’t have to be a superstar with the bat or mitt to be a superstar in the eyes of Mr. Houda.  Everyone felt like an all-star athlete when he was on the field.  Dick was also a life member of Lyons Mustangs A.C.  He loved the camaraderie of his fellow Mustangs, whether it be at the Mustang Club House, working in the “pits” for the annual chicken barbeque, or on the lanes in their co-ed bowling league. 

Dick was a devoted Catholic and member of the St. Hugh Catholic Church for over 57 years.  He sent all of his children through St. Hugh Catholic School.  Then, as a Nazareth Academy parent, he was actively involved in the Booster Club, helping to build the very first Spirit Stadium.  It was also during those years that he became a beloved band parent, and was affectionately known to all of the band kids as “Papa Houda.”  He was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.  Through his devout Catholic faith, he was called to this group of men who worked toward spiritual, social, and charitable growth.  He served as recording secretary for his chapter, and enjoyed sharing this organization with his son.  Dick always had a quiet nature about his faith, never missing Sunday Mass, even while on vacation, and prayed the rosary daily.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, from 3:00PM to 8:00PM at Tower Home for Funerals, 4007 Joliet Ave, Lyons, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 17, at 10:30AM at St. Hugh Catholic Church, 4315 Joliet Ave, Lyons, IL.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation: WGA - Evans Scholars Foundation - Memorials and Honorariums.

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