Memorial
James A. Kadlec passed peacefully on August 6th, 2018 at his home in Leavenworth, KS surrounded by his family.
Jim was born on September 20th, 1947 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Joseph and Dorothy Kadlec. As a young boy, Jim’s family moved to Indianapolis, IN where he graduated from Arlington High School in 1965. After graduation, Jim joined the United States Navy serving from 1966 to 1970 including service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After leaving the military, Jim returned to Cedar Rapids where he met, and later married his wife Theresa A. Swenson in 1973 and then began working for Quaker Oats.
Together, Jim and Terry raised a family that eventually grew to include 11 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren (with #6 expected in January), and an extended family of many nephews, nieces, and dear friends. Jim continued working for Quaker Oats until his retirement in 2009 after 37 years with the company. In his many years as a resident of both Cedar Rapids and Marion, Jim was an avid Iowa football fan and enthusiastic traveler. During any given year “Grandpa” Jim and “Grandma” Terry planned trips to famous and picturesque destinations across the country where they traveled either by plane, train, and or even (yes) automobile. Throughout his life, Jim embodied a quiet and humble ethic that included a love of country, devotion to family, and steadfast hard work that set a wonderful example for the many people who knew and loved him and who will miss him greatly.
Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Terry, children Steve D. (and Sally) Swenson of Perry, Iowa; Pam S. (and Jeff Lanctot) Dirks of Prattville, AL; and Debra L. (and Scott) Raynal of Leavenworth, KS. Survivors also include brothers Larry (and Paula) Kadlec of Marana, AZ; Rick (and Janet) Kadlec of Cedar Rapids, IA; and Jerry (and Jayne Kilgallon) also of Cedar Rapids, IA. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Dottie Kadlec, his beloved son Michael S. Swenson, and granddaughter Lisa A. Turner.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 18th, 2018 in Cedar Rapids at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with visitation at 1:00 pm and funeral services at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s name to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), an organization that supports young service members experiencing financial difficulties due to the hardships of military life. Donation link
https://action.nmcrs.org/page/contribute/donate2015