Emma Jean (Burgess) Koudelka

Emma Jean Koudelka, age 83, of Cresco, IA, passed away at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco, IA on January 20, 2022.
Emma Jean was born on December 10, 1938, to Charles and Ida (Wenthold) Burgess in Cresco, Iowa. She grew up with her ten siblings and graduated from Cresco High School in 1957. After graduation, she went on to receive her Nurses Aid Certification. Shortly after, Emma Jean was set up on a blind date with the love of her life, Martin Koudelka. They were united in marriage on April 23, 1958, at St. Joes in Cresco, IA; to this union were born three sons – Darryl, Todd and Scott.
Emma Jean and Martin raised their sons on the family farm East of Cresco. Emma Jean enjoyed helping Martin with daily tasks around the farm, as well as, cooking/ baking and embroidered baby blankets. She kept a tidy garden during the summer and spent countless hours canning her produce. She enjoyed mowing the lawn and made sure the grass never got too long. A special part of her day was when Emma Jean and Martin would take a break from their work and play a game of cards.
When Emma Jean was not keeping busy at home, she enjoyed traveling to Branson, Missouri, and she was an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers. Emma Jean loved country music and would frequently visit The Inwood Ballroom in Spillville and Matter’s Ballroom in Decorah where she and Martin would dance.  Emma Jean became a grandmother to twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and loved spending time with them.
Emma Jean is survived by her husband Martin of 63 years; sons Darryl (Annette) Koudelka of Nevada, IA, Todd Koudelka of Sun Prairie, WI, and Scott (Gretchen) Koudelka of Hastings, MN; grandchildren Wendy (Isaac) Stanley, Megan (Paul) Wochinski, Danny (fiancé Rebecca) Koudelka, Mike (Jill) Connors, Brian Koudelka, Michaela Koudelka, Caleb Koudelka, Alexis (fiancé Stephen) Koudelka, Noah Koudelka, Ethan Koudelka, Katelin (special friend Brandon) Koudelka, and Jennifer (Jake) Brown; nine great-grandchildren, plus one on the way; brothers Kenny Burgess of Cresco, IA, and Chuck Burgess of Cresco, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Corrine, Dorothy, Helen, Rosemary, Alice May, Charlotte, Charlene, and Elta Jean.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Emma Jean on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at the Notre Dame Catholic Church in Cresco, IA. A public visitation will be held Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home and Monday, January 24,2022 at 10:00 before funeral services.  Burial will take place following Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco, Iowa on January 24th with lunch following the burial.

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