James Houdek

James “Jim” Albert Houdek, age 60 of Montello passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026 at The Montello Care Center. Jim was born in Milwaukee on April 28, 1965 to Richard and Monica (Popp) Houdek. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Custer High School in 1983. Jim married Darlene “Dolly” Krueger and together they raised two sons; they later divorced but remained close. He came to Montello in 1993 and began his career at TW Design shortly thereafter; he finished his career at TW as general manager in 2020 when the company closed. Jim was most recently employed at The Montello Care Center as activity director.

Jim was a “community first” kind of person. He served as an alderman for the City of Montello for many years as well as Mayor and give his time volunteering as a member of the Chamber of Commence and organizing Operation Santa for over 30 years. Ultimately, Jim found the most joy in spending time with his family and friends.

Jim is survived by two sons: Andres (Sarah) Avila of Milwaukee and Jesus (Season) Lopez of Princeton as well as eleven grandchildren: Devin, Larissa, Cataleya, Isabel, Xavier, T.J., Ava, Mina, Desmond, Domanick and Gabriel. He is also survived by his former wife, Dolly Houdek and eight siblings: Cathy (Robert) Kasten, Patricia (Anthony) Zulli, Jerome (Alicia) Houdek, John (Susan “Sany”), Cheryl Nickel, Mary (Alan) McLees-Lane, Judith (Michael) Olguin, Therese (Mark) Joanis as well as sister-in-law, Penny Houdek.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joseph.

A memorial service for James Houdek will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Crawford Funeral Home in Montello. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the hour of service. Father Dale Grubba will preside and inurnment will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery, Town of Packwaukee.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com