Rev. Charles Houska, 81 years old, beloved husband, father, and pastor, was called to glory in the early morning of June 27, 2023. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Martha Houska and is survived by his wife, Joan Ruth Pfaff Houska. Chuck leaves behind three wonderful children and their spouses: Angie Bullard and Randy, Debbie Balch and Jeff, and Peter Houska and Connie. He is also survived by grandchildren, Stuart, Katherine, Caroline, Stephanie, John, Emily, and Joey and great-grandchildren, Jet and Oliver. Chuck has two surviving siblings, Daunine Heath and Dennis Houska.
Charles Lee Houska was born on September 1, 1941, in Deadwood, South Dakota. The family moved to Fort Collins, CO where they regularly worshiped at St John’s Lutheran Church. While in confirmation, the pastor recognized Chuck’s love of Christ and ability to absorb scripture and encouraged him to become a pastor. At age 13, Chuck committed his life to ministry and began his pastoral education by attending St. John’s Academy & College in Winfield, KS. Chuck’s pastoral and seminary education continued for eight additional years beyond high school. While attending Concordia Seminary, Chuck found his one-and-only love in Joan. These two married in 1965, partnering in life and ministry for the next 58 years. Chuck graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO with a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained at his home church in Fort Collins, CO in 1967.
After his vicarage in Illinois, Pastor Chuck went on to serve at Messiah Lutheran Church (Mounds View, MN); St. Philip Lutheran Church (Houston, TX); Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (Dallas, TX); and All Saints Lutheran Church (Blairsville, GA). Pastor Houska also filled vacancies at a number of churches in Texas and Colorado with his final vacancy position at Our Savior Lutheran Church (McKinney, TX).
With over fifty-five years of active ministry, Pastor Houska impacted many lives through teaching, preaching, witnessing, visitations, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and funerals. Chuck genuinely cared for his parishioners and imparted wise Godly counsel with a healthy dose of humor. He led by example and lived a life worthy of honor and respect, pointing all glory to God.
Pastor Chuck was an avid reader, wood carver, and winemaker. He enjoyed fishing, traveling internationally with Joan, playing with his grandchildren, defeating all takers in cards, and cheering on the Texas Rangers and Longhorns.
Chuck’s memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2708 Virginia Pkwy, McKinney, Texas and can be viewed via livestream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHhiUbn-r8A.
A reception will follow immediately after the service at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Memorials can be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church McKinney or a charity of your choice.