Memorial

Gene Kadlec, a lifelong resident of Cedar Rapids, passed away February 19th at the age of 90.

Gene was born in Cedar Rapids, attended Wilson High School and the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Iowa Concert and Marching Bands.  He graduated from Iowa in 1952 with a major in business and married the love of his life, Beverly Ainsworth. Their marriage lasted 68 years. Beverly was also a graduate of the University of Iowa. They were football season ticket holders for almost 40 years.  They traveled to many Iowa bowl games and enjoyed the Hawkeye camaraderie.

After graduation, Gene began his career at Kadlec Brothers, a Studebaker and Packard car dealership in Cedar Rapids.  He went on to work at Collins Radio (Rockwell) as a buyer until 1972.  He later joined FMC, Raytheon and finished his career at Kinze Manufacturing.

Gene was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking and golfing. He participated in a couples golf league and travelled around Iowa golfing with his wife and other “Grasshopper” couples. Gene and Beverly enjoyed traveling to many US National Parks as well as numerous trips abroad. One of his favorite travel destinations was Prague, recalling his Czech heritage and his involvement at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids.

Gene was a member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church for over 50 years.  He was an usher for many of those years and was active on several committees.  He was the recipient of “The Golden Paintbrush” award, in recognition for the many coats of paint he applied at the church.

Gene’s greatest joy was his family.  He spent many quality hours teaching his grandchildren to fish, ice skate and enjoy other outdoor activities.  Each grandchild took a customized trip with “Grammy and Granddaddy” resulting in a special lifetime memory to look back on.  He was a special person whose love for his wife and family was evident to all. He was proud of his children and was always supportive at the many activities and events he attended.  He was a man of faith, a gentleman to all and he will be forever held in the hearts and memories of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lovely Lane United Methodist Church,  https://www.lovelylane.org/giving-to-lovely-lane/  and National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, https://www.ncsml.org/support/donate/ in Gene’s memory.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Albia Kadlec and brother Robert Kadlec 

Gene is survived by his wife Beverly Kadlec and his sister Dolores Ross; Children: Susan (Gerald) Walker, Thomas (Le Ann) Kadlec, Lisa Kadlec; Grandchildren: Amberly (Harvey) Twomey, Ashley (Dusty) Messick, Alyssa (Kyle) Robison, Carleen Kadlec, Chase (Kelsey) Kadlec, Madeline Chadie; Great-grandchildren: Rylan and Paislee Messick, Adelynn, Kolton and Amelia Robison, Eli and Abigail Walker Twomey, Emerson and Beckett Kadlec

A memorial service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Saturday, July 17, at 10:30 a.m.