Francis "Fritz" John Houska

Francis “Fritz” John Houska, 89, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester. He was born on a hot summer afternoon on the home farm in Delaware County on July 30, 1934, the third son of Peter John and Florence (Eschen) Houska, joining his four sisters. Fritz was raised in the Lamont area and attended Lamont Consolidated School, graduating in a class of 41 on May 15, 1952. After graduation Fritz remained at home helping his dad and mom farm while his two brothers were gone in the military.

In March of 1954, Fritz was inducted into the United States Army doing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He saw oversea duty in Germany. Fritz was honorably discharged in March of 1956. After discharge Fritz came home to farm with his parents until they moved to Lamont in 1960.

On August 19, 1967, Fritz was united in marriage to Charlotte Jones at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lamont. To this union two daughters were born. Besides working on the farm Fritz also worked for Ankrom/Jackson in Manchester, a large farming operation, for 14 years. He also worked for Hamlett at Lamont Elevator which became Arlington Co-op until May 31, 2002. Fritz went to work for Nading Orchard until 2015.  Fritz and Charlotte moved to Strawberry Point in October of 1991.

Fritz always kept busy, mowing yards, shoveling snow, gardening and growing flowers. He was a sexton for St. Albert Cemetery since 1956, a member of the Keystone and Music Man Barbershop chorus since 1963. On the farm Fritz, Charlotte, and the girls had many pets. Fritz was a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Strawberry Point.

Survivors include his two daughters, Elaine (George) Crosby of Newport News, Virginia and Sarah (Tom) Shadle of Ely; two grandchildren, Corey and T.J. Shadle; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 45 years, Charlotte Houska; and his six brothers and sisters.

Memorials may be directed to St. Albert Cemetery, 1364 120th Avenue, Dundee, IA 52038

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