So many times in the news the person who commits a crime gets the big headlines.
This I know, the person who deserves the headlines is someone who has lived a wonderful life
by inspiring others to greatness via love, service, sweetness, gratitude and being.
Such a person is my friend Joseph John Koudelka IV, who graduated from earth life with his three boys.
Joe is truly a HeartPrinter, as a giver and a receiver- as you will see and feel by the following summary.
Enjoy and Celebrate a wonderful life.
~`HeartPrintNotes
The Life Celebration for Joseph John Koudelka IV
and his three sons- JJ, Joshua, and Justin was held on June 2, 2007 in Nampa, Idaho.
Summary
• The Nampa Idaho East Stake Center Church was completely full.
• The family took up the entire chapel area.
• The Nampa High Swim Team took up the overflow.
• The cultural hall and stage was taken up by friends.
• Closed circuit broadcasts were held in two other chapels.
• Elder Gary W. Walker of the Seventy, Presided over the service.
• Elder Walker read a very loving and compassionate letter from (Gordone B. Hinckley, Thomas Monson, and James E. Faust) the First Presidency which was given to Jill, Joe’s wife.
• The service was very upbeat and loving.
• Joe’s mission president, Charles Tate was welcomed by Joe’s mother and father, who invited him and Amy to sit with the family.
• President Tate stated, “It was quite the scene to see the four white pine coffins in the front of the church. It really brought home what had occurred”.
• President Lance Thueson spoke on the topic, “What Joe believed”, thus teaching the Plan of Happiness
• Janae, Joe’s daughter played a violin number, one of her Daddy’s favorites.
• Elder Koudelka’s father and brothers spoke
• “Called to Serve” and “I Believe in Christ” were the hymns sung.
Comments:
I spoke with Elder Koudelka a few months ago and he was so glad to hear from me.
He treated me so nicely, gently and lovingly teased me. He had not changed one bit in 20 yrs.
The first time I met Elder Koudelka was in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on the first day of my mission.
He and his companion picked me up from the boiling hot bus I had taken from St. Louis and delivered great news to me,
“Elder, you can take your wool suit coat off…..its too hot for that here!”
They took me to their apartment and I noticed a big hole in the wall. I asked Elder Henderson what happened and he stated,
“Oh, Elder Koudelka was just wrestling and he threw Elder Maxwell through the wall”.
I also discovered that it wasn’t the first time that I had experienced Elder Koudelka…..he showed me a picture of his car….
I remembered seeing it at Nampa High School when I was there for basketball practice prior to the state high school basketball tourney.
Joe was racing his car around the school and having a great time doing it too.
Elder Koudelka was the perfect example of working when it was time to work and playing when it was time to play.
I remember him having such a great time playing basketball on our preparation day……he played just like an Idaho cowboy.
Elder Gene White, who trained Elder Koudelka, told me of the people who loved Joe so much.
Minnie was their landlord in Columbia, Missouri and she loved Elder K. and baked for him on a daily basis.
In 1990 Elder White was passing through Columbia so he stopped by to see Minnie and noticed that she still
had a picture of Elder K. and himself up in her home.
Elder K. was so strong physically….I experienced this when he picked me up like a feather and spun me around on his shoulders,
but more importantly he is strong spiritually. He is a great teacher and testifier to the truth of all things.
When President Tate called to tell me about the accident, my first thought was,
“Elder Koudelka went out with his boots on.”
By this I mean: He was just being a father, taking his boys to a swimming meet.
Several years ago I was sitting in a funeral and this thought came to me:
“A father’s funeral is not about his career, cars, money or any other “thing”.
It is about the Love, Care, and Compassion he outpoured to wife, children, extended family and friends.
It is about the adult child remembering, as a little boy, that his Daddy loved him, approved of him, and the
times they spent together going on walks, to ball games, camping, going out for an ice cream or a hamburger or
just having a talk.
In the end, it is all about profound loving memories.
Memories are created each day that extend beyond the grave and into eternity. ”
I am committed to creating some memories today, just like Elder Joseph John Koudelka IV did on a daily basis.
We have not lost a friend. There is no such thing as death, only a graduation from earth life into the next phase.
He is still with us, supporting and cheering us on from the heavenly grandstands.
When I hear laughter coming from above, I will know it is coming from “The Heavenly Cowboy”.
? I wonder if he has spun any angels yet?
Yes, Joe loves life……even the next part that he is partaking of now
This I do know…….he is thriving in his new church calling with his mission companions……….his three sons.
~LenWright
Quotes:
“The missionary efforts in the spirit world have received a major shot in the arm with these four”.
~Jill, Elder Koudelka’s wife, (stated after the accident)
“I just want to express my biggest thank you to all of you for your support at this time. Your prayers and outpouring of love are beyond measure and are not going unnoticed. Joe was the perfect big brother. He was there for me whenever I needed him, no questions asked. Those special little nephews of mine always carried a smile that seemed to brighten even the darkest days. There’s no doubt they will be missed, but we know they are ok and that they are in a better place and we know we will be reunited with them someday. Once again we are so grateful for your prayers. We feel them. They are carrying us through this difficult time. Their memories will live on in our hearts forever!”
So lucky to be “Joes little sister”,
So blessed to be called “Aunt Petra” by J.J., Josh and Justin
With love, Petra Koudelka Simpson, Joe’s sister
“It is so sad that we won’t see him again, until Jesus comes again.
But the good news is…………..we can see him everyday in our heart.”
~Jace Cordel Wright
“…..and the good news is???
Joey lived and is continuing to live a great life, watching over and supporting us from above.
He is not gone or lost, he just is in another realm of life, blessing others lives with his love and laughter, just like he did here on earth.
There are no accidents, just ways and means to step into the next appendage of life when it is time.”
“We always say, ‘Thy will be done’. But how about ‘Thy timing be done?’
We do not control the transfer board in the sky.”
~Neal A. Maxwell
“Men [and women] have stumbled at times because promised blessings have not occurred in this life.
They have failed to remember that, in the gospel, life with all its activities continues forever and that the labors of earth may be continued in heaven” (Evidences and Reconciliations, 323).
~John A. Widtsoe
To the Question, “Why are so many good men and women dying so young?”
“They are recruiting heavily for the spirit world.”
~`Neal A. Maxwell
“In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but … saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation”.
~`John A. Widtsoe
“He completed his contract”.
~`Karl Berrett
Guest Book Comments:
Joe was a great man. I was one of his scoutermasters while he served in the bishopric. I spent many hours while Joe spent time teaching young men about live and his profession. I have personally been blessed by his family’s example. I remember his love for cars. He ran live and the throttle of his Chevy to the floor. I also remember a high adventure trip up into the mountains with horses and with Bishop Thueson. His love for Chevy’s always out did Lance’s love for a Ford. I will always love Joe for the man he was and for his understanding for life. I will miss Joe while on earth, but I know I will meet him again someday. Stuart Barrus (Payson, UT)
Joe was one of the finest, honest, “square shooters” I’ve ever known. Joe’s word was good enough…never a doubt where he stood. As a man he was incredibly strong…both physically & mentally. I will forever cherish the memory & will always strive to be as big of a man. Jill my heart aches for you & your daughter, but just remember they are plumbing the finest home you will ever get to see, with the finest gold faucets…& just for you! May God hold you tight in His arms & bless you. If you need anything I’m there. Gary (Hoffy) Hoffpauir (Meridian, ID)
I was great friends with the Koudelka boys, and I will never forget how they always had a smile on their faces. They were the best family I have ever met, and I miss them dearly. The fairs won’t be the same without seeing them being drug around the show ring by their crazy non-halter broken steers! They are my idols, and my friends, and I want to grow up to be just like them..just as cheery, just as faithful, and just as amazing as they are. You guys are amazing! I hope to see you when I get up there! and I know that your family will be together forever! I love you all, and god be with you till we meet again! Lindsey Zabel (Kuna, ID)
I was with Joe In St Louis back in 1983. What a great person. I always loved Him, we had the chance to talk a couple years back at a mission reunion. My sympathy to the family, My prayers will be with you!!! Elder Bangerter Chad Bangerter (Sunset, UT)
I loved those boys and their dad. I will never forget their tremendous example, and their beautiful smiling faces. Sydney Holbrook (Nampa, ID)
To the many family & friends of these 4 fine men. My sister Sheryle Warner has told me of what a special,loving family you are. I say “you are”, because though they have moved on to live with their father and brother, you’ll always be forever. Our family recognized your family from the fairs each year. (our kids show beef and swine. As soon as I put the faces with the names, I remember the friendliness they shared. My son was in the calf scramble with (I think Joshua). You’ve raised together such a wonderful family. Their goodness, courage, strength and talents must be needed at this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remember Heavenly Father has plans we don’t know of yet. I love the quote,’you won’t realize the distance you’ve walked until you take a look around and realize how far you’ve been.’ Your men walked their distance with honor. May the spirit be with you to bless and comfort you.
With much love, Tracy,Linda,Jamie,Jenn & Coleman Hansen Linda Hansen (Parma, ID)
John, Priscilla and Family
You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. Joey was a great man! My fondest memories were the times the Drew girls and the Koudelka kids would get together and just play for long hours, usually in the summer. We rode horses, bikes, motorbikes, ran through the sprinklers and just had good old fun! We tried to stay out of trouble but you know us kids and when the day came to an end you would hear either Joann or Priscilla holler for us to head home. Such a wonderful time!
It was like having two homes.
May friends and family help you get through the loss of your loved ones Joey, J.J., Josh and Justin Stephanie Drew (Gardiner, MT)
I cannot put into words what a wonderful example and friend Josh was to me! He ALWAYS had a smile and a joke to brighten my day. I loved playing in band with Josh in middle school and getting to know him better this year (this includes playing with the Rubics cube at lunch :]) He was in my math class and helped me so much with my geometry questions! I also enjoyed spending time with him at the church dances. He was an amazing person and you could see that just by looking at him. He definitely had the light of Jesus Christ in his life and never missed a chance to share his light with all of us who needed it!!! I will never forget Josh and look forward to meeting him again in the spirit world someday! Thank you Sis. Koudelka for raising such a wonderful young man. I pray that the Lord will send the spirit to watch over you and Janae at this time. May you always remember that FAMILIES ARE FOREVER!!!
I send my love and support to you. With love, Diana Shuck (34th ward) Diana Shuck (Nampa, ID)
The back row of the chapel will never be the same. I remember sitting a couple of rows behind your family and watched the looks of pure love that was passed back and forth. It would always make me smile and feel overwhelmed with the thought of how grateful that we are eternal…forever and ever. Heavenly Father keeps his promises..you will be together again. You are loved, we are all praying for you. Love, JoAnn Bulkley JoAnn Bulkley (Twin Falls, ID)
Dear Koudelka Family
With a heavy heart I express my deepest sympathy for your loss. I have been able to reflect about the great memories I have of your family and ours. Your house was one of the few places that we could go to (not many homes welcome 7 kids)Priscilla and John were like a second set of parents to us as kids.
I appreciate the great influence those early years have had in my life (Especially now that I have 5 kids of my own.)May you all feel the comfort that you need at this time.
With love and fondest memories Caryn Tobler Trumbo (Placentia, CA)
Jill and Janae…We are saddened by the loss of Joe and the boys but will always have fond memories of them at the fair…Joe cheering Krystal on as she competed in the bunny costume contest, our kids hanging out with J.J. and Josh in the cow barn, and Justin sucking helium out of the balloons to make his voice sound funny (He sucked so much helium that he passed out on the floor in the chicken barn!) They were great examples to all of us and we will always cherish the times we got to spend with them. We cherish your friendship as well, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bev Tank (Nampa, ID)
Life Summary:
A tragic accident took the lives of the most perfect husband, loving father, and three stalwart and wonderful young men. Joseph John Koudelka IV (Joe) Joseph John Koudelka V (J.J.) Joshua Austin Koudelka and Justin Alexander Kouldelka Four great men left this earth life much like they lived-together. All four were strong, active members of their church, valiant and faithful in all things. Each one had great qualities of true gentlemen. Their respect for womanhood and all of God’s creations was outstanding. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the Nampa East LDS Stake Center, 3904 East Greenhurst Road, Nampa. Friends may call from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Nampa East Stake Center on Friday, June 1, 2007 to greet the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 North Midland Blvd. Nampa. Justin played center for his Optimists football team, the Young Hawks, and had just started as a member of the Nampa Swim Team. His family nicknamed him “Bull Frog” as he swam his first 400 meters in under eight minutes. He loved to do every thing. He truly loved everything about life – kites, fishing, cousins, fire crackers, dirt, sticks rocks, swimming, football, cows, break dancing, and most of all his family. Joshua was going to be a sophomore at Columbia High School. His entire junior high years he had been a part of band and loved to play jazz music. He loved math and science and was a 4.0 student in about every grade of his entire life. Joshua loved music, piano, puzzles, games, chess, playing computers, play stations, Nintendo and anything that challenged his brain. He had just mastered the Rubik’s Cube. He also loved to swim. He too had been part of the Nampa Swim Team and swam for Columbia High School. He absolutely loved everything about life. He had always wanted to work for NASA someday. But to Josh, family always came first. J.J. had just graduated from Skyview High School with honors, and was planning to attend Sierra College in California and be a part of their swim team. He swam for Skyview for four years and as a Nampa Shark for two years. He was the team captain and most improved male swimmer for two years. He loved the water. J.J. had also played the saxophone in band while in junior high. His love of the Lord and his family was as strong as he was. All of the boys were members of 4-H and worked hard together at the fair showing their animals. They were real hard workers, strong young men and best friends. They loved the Lord and strived to be friends to all and live their lives as Jesus Christ did. Joe was the most loving and caring husband a man could ever be. Just like his boys, Joe loved life. Next to loving his wife, family and the Gospel, he loved his cows. He was a true cattleman at heart. Joe had grown up in Nampa, graduated from Nampa High School where he played football and wrestled. He had been a plumbing contractor in the valley for almost twelve years. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and served as a scout leader to countless number of young men. He loved to camp and fish and always be outside.
Joe served a full time mission to St Louis, Mo. and wanted to serve another one in Africa someday with his wife. He was the oldest son of J. John and Pricilla Koudelka, and brother to Pamela Moore, Patricia Draper, Jeffrey Koudelka, Penne Nordstrom Paulette Romriel, Petra Simpson, Judd Koudelka and Jake Koudelka. Joe’s work ethic was immeasurable. No one could out work Joe. Whether it was cattle, plumbing or his service to his church and family. He was so strong. Joe loved the Lord with all his might mind and strength. He taught us all how we should live our lives to the fullest. Joe never did anything half way. It was full blast or nothing. His wife Jill and daughter Janae will gather their strength through their memories and love for the strong men they were blessed to call father, brother, husband and sons.
