Hermina C. Koudelka

Hermina C. Koudelka or “Grandma Delka” as she was lovingly referred to by everyone, 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.

Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Protivin with the Rev. Nick Radloff officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Trinity Cemetery. A Visitation will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Cresco and will continue one hour prior to the service at Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday.

Hermina Catherine Ott was born Nov. 5, 1929 at St. Lucas, the daughter of Baptist and Helena (Hackman) Ott.  On June 7, 1948 she married Louis Koudelka at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas.  To this union 3 children were born Donald, Linda, and Lori.  For 35 years, Louis and Hermina farmed the Koudelka Century Farm.  They then moved to a house they built on an acreage south of Protivin. 

At an early age, Hermina realized she loved to care for others. She spent her younger years as a “hired gal” helping out at friends and relative’s homes; cooking, cleaning and caring for members of the home.  This passion then led to her careers at Cresco Care Center and Evans Memorial Home in Cresco; where she could help out and visit with residents.  For a number of years Hermina and Louis enjoyed restoring and refinishing furniture.  In March of 2001, they purchased a home and moved to Cresco.  A few months later in June, Louis passed away from a lengthy illness.

Hermina’s greatest accomplishment was her family. Better known as “Grandma Delka”, Hermina loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. There were many lessons taught without even knowing it. From baking techniques, to learning the master pattern in Chinese Checkers, to life’s understanding of how to be a kind and forgiving person. Hermina saw the best in everyone. Whatever she could not help her family solve, she assured us the Lord could. She taught us all the value of prayer and how strong it can be. 

Hermina is survived by her daughter Lori (Neal) Stapelkamp of Cresco; son-in-law Alvin Koshatka of Cresco; Donald’s special friend Sue Geerts; 12 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Baptist and Helena, husband Louis, daughter Linda, and son Donald, daughter-in-law Therese “Tiki” Koudelka, brothers Oscar, Roman, Paul, Dale, Leo, twin brother Herbert, and sisters Hilda, Leona, and infant sister Agnes.