Michael James Houska

February 11, 1955 - November 7, 2020

Michael James Houska, 65, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past three years, formerly ofGrafton, ND, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020 in Cape Coral. He was born February 11, 1955 in Grafton, ND. Mike grew up in Veseleyville, ND where he attended a country schoolhouse and later in Park River. When his family moved to Grafton, he attended school there and graduated in 1973. He spent much of his youth running with his siblings and cousins in Veseleyville.

He was of the Lutheran faith and attended Messiah Lutheran Church in Cape Coral, where he served on the communication board. He worked for the city of Grafton for 40 years as the Street Superintendent and Waste Water Manager. He married Chris Otto on August 20, 1988, and together they raised two boys, with whom he spent an enormous amount of time with and was very proud of. He enjoyed camping, traveling and spending time with his family. Mike retired in 2014 and in 2017 moved to Florida, where he spent three wonderful years. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his younger years and reading, swimming and trying different restaurants following his retirement. He considered his time in Florida a “vacation every day.” He will be remembered for his smile, laughter and his enjoyment of life and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Chris Houska of Cape Coral; loving mother, Millie Houska of Grafton, ND; two children, Edward Jacob Houska of Cape Coral, and James Alexandru Houska of Bismark, ND; four siblings, Shirley Oas of Grand Forks, ND, Wayne Houska (Ellen) of Grand Forks, Debbie Aasand (John) of Grafton, and Mary LaHaise (Tom) of Grafton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Cy Houska; a brother, Donnie Houska, as well as his in-laws, Edward and Dolores Otto.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Grafton, ND.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Su and Wayne Nov 12, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    Chris, James, Jacob, and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a great guy. Keep those memories close to your heart. Praying that God’s love comforts you at this difficult time. Love and hugs to you all

  2. Brad and Renee Nov 13, 2020 at 8:49 am

    Chris and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was the nicest person to know, he ALWAYS had a smile!

  3. Brad Baumann (Warroad, MN) Nov 16, 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Growing up in Grafton, ND, I worked a number of summers with and for Mike in early 80’s. What a great guy. So very sorry to hear of his passing; way too young. God Bless… Brad Baumann (Class of ’82)

  4. Sheree Anderson Nov 19, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Chris, James and Jacob,
    I am so sorry to read today in the local paper of Mike’s passing. We were in the same class in Park River for a short time before he moved to Grafton. Mike was so kind and took time to always say hello when I would run into him throughout the years. Chris, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons during this difficult time.

    Sheree Anderson

  5. John and Sharyl Lindell Nov 19, 2020 at 1:09 pm

    To Mike’s family We are sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy and always greeted everyone with his great smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time John and Sharyl Lindell

  6. Peggy Heazlett Nov 19, 2020 at 1:58 pm

    Chris, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sympathy and prayers to you and your sons.

  7. Linda Paulson Nov 19, 2020 at 3:00 pm

    So sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a great guy who always had a kind word and smile. He was a great dad too – so loving and patient. Please know we are thinking of all of you. You are a special family. May God bless and keep you today and through the days to come.

  8. Shari Mondry Nov 19, 2020 at 3:16 pm

    Chris, Jacob & James. I am so sorry to hear about Mike. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the whole family.

  9. Noël Watson Nov 19, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Mike was a kind man. He deeply loved his family. Treasure your memories and he will be with you forever. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

  10. Deanna Larson/St.Thomas Nov 19, 2020 at 3:52 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to you Chris and the boys. I can only imagine the pain you are going through at this time, Hugs to all of you. Paul and I

  11. Colleen Anderson Nov 19, 2020 at 4:18 pm

    My sympathy to all of you.

    Mike’s smile was always a joy to witness.

    He loved his family very much.
    Remember all the happy times.

    Sending prayers to you.

  12. Ron, Janice and Matt Houska Nov 19, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    We are sorry to hear this very sad news! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this trying time.😢

  13. Jalene Suda Nov 19, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    My sympathies to you all. Mike was always so friendly and smiley and a great friend to my dad. Sending light and love to you all❤️.

  14. Joan Pilon Nov 19, 2020 at 4:55 pm

    So sorry to hear this Chris! Our sympathy to you and Jacob and James. I will always remember him having a big smile and always so pleasant. God bless you all with his peace.

  15. Mark Ganyo Nov 19, 2020 at 6:12 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was allways the cousin I enjoyed seeing whenever I was home. He always had a smile. He will be missed

  16. Ardie Pitcher Nov 19, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    To Mike’s family so sorry for your loss. He was a nice person with a great smile and sense of humor. Prayers for you at this time.

  17. Jim Hanno Nov 19, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mikes passing! Please accept condolences to Chris and family members.
    Mike was always friendly, helpful , and will be missed!

  18. Bonita Novak Nov 19, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    My sympathy Chris and family. Mike was a fabulous person. He will be greatly missed.

  19. Rod & Judy Alme Nov 19, 2020 at 8:45 pm

    Chris, our sincere sympathy to you Jacob and James. Mike always had a smile and always was so supportive of any requests I made on behalf of Sunset Home, Thoughts and prayers are with you,

  20. Jessica (Davis) Hanson Nov 19, 2020 at 9:18 pm

    Dear Chris, Jacob and James,
    I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts, prayers and love are with you.

  21. Mallory McCarty Bendickson Nov 19, 2020 at 10:05 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Chris.

  22. Steve and Kelly Dokken Nov 19, 2020 at 11:59 pm

    We were so sad to hear about Mike. He was a great guy with a contagious laugh and a smile a mile wide. Our sincere sympathies to you Chris and to the boys, his brothers and sisters and his mom. God bless.

  23. kelly Nord Nov 20, 2020 at 1:42 am

    my deepest sympathy
    to you and your family

  24. Lynn &. Celeste flanagan Nov 20, 2020 at 9:10 am

    So sorry to hear this Cris. Mike had one one the most contagious smiles. We sure enjoyed being around him when we lived in Grafton. A super nice man ! Take care, Lynn & Celeste.

  25. Jim Mihelich family Nov 20, 2020 at 12:50 pm

    Chris, Jacob, James and Houska family: Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. Mike was always so kind and always had a smile when we saw him. Sincerely, Jim and Kass Mihelich and girls

  26. Kathy Larson Nov 20, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    Chris, Jacob & James: sending virtual hugs from chilly north Dakota. Mike was a good man who always had a smile to share. Prayers that your faith will bring strength to get through the tough days & your memories fill the emptiness in your hearts.

  27. Joan Silewski Warnke Nov 20, 2020 at 4:54 pm

    I always remember Mike with a smile on his face. Thoughts and prayers to all the family and friends that have been touched by his kindness. Sorry for your
    loss.

  28. Michele Normand Nov 20, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Chris, Jacob, James and family, Our heart and prayers are with you all. Deepest sympathies. We love you all.
    Brad, Michele, Jeff and Aaron Normand

  29. Linda Butler Nov 20, 2020 at 7:59 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers for comfort in the days ahead are with you all.

  30. Joe Ellefson Nov 20, 2020 at 8:02 pm

    Mike (Cy). What a special person! Always a ready smile and laugh and ALWAYS time for a little talk. God speed my friend and Rest In Peace.

  31. Deb Gordon Kleven Nov 21, 2020 at 7:31 am

    Chris, Jacob, and James. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

  32. Barb Macdonald Nov 22, 2020 at 6:38 am

    Chris, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  33. Lynn Campbell Nov 22, 2020 at 11:32 am

    My sympathy to Chris, Jacob, James and Mike’s family for your loss. I will remember my classmate as an easy going guy with a big smile on his face. Rest in peace

  34. Denise Henriksen Nov 22, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Chris and family my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Mike will be greatly missed by many. God bless

  35. Susie Demers Nov 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    Chris, James, Jacob, Millie and families. We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great man gone to soon. Hugs to you all and prayers to help you get through this very difficult time. 🙏⚘❤🙏

  36. Lynn Campbell Nov 23, 2020 at 8:51 am

    My sympathies to Chris, James, Jacob his mother, brother and sisters. I will remember my classmate as an easy going guy with a big smile. Rest in peace

  37. Kenrick and Tina Goerz Dec 7, 2020 at 10:30 am

    We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer.

  38. Lorrie & Jeff Narloch May 26, 2021 at 5:02 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to you Chris, Jacob, James and all family.. such a friendly, kind, patient man Mike was. May he Rest In Peace.

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