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BORN
1943
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Kadlec Obituary
Ken was born October 16, 1943 in Grafton, North Dakota to Joseph and Edith (Lala) Kadlec. He was raised in Edinburgh, ND, and graduated from the University of North Dakota.
A farm boy at heart, Ken worked in the agricultural industry his entire career. His first job was with Cenex/Land O'Lakes in St. Paul, MN, then Park River, ND, and later became General Manager & CEO of Skagit Farmers Supply in the Pacific Northwest, where he retired in 2010. Ken served on multiple agricultural commissions and leadership boards in the state of Washington. He was also inducted into the Washington State Agriculture Cooperative Hall of Fame.
Family was everything to Ken. He loved to watch his kids & grandkids play sports and perform in activities. He & Joan took the children on many memorable vacations, and Ken was able to travel to the Czech Republic with his parents, siblings, and children in 1997 to visit his roots.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joan (Gross) Kadlec, their three children, Tim (Katie) of Spokane, WA, Courtney (James) Baxter of Stanwood, WA, and Mitch (Valerie) of Bellingham, WA, and grandchildren Abbey, Adam, Jessica, Sean, and Eric. He is also survived by his siblings, Loren (Nancy) Kadlec of Grand Forks, ND, Carol (Dwight) Howe of Portland, OR, and Don Kadlec of Pisek, ND, and his sisters-in-law, Cheryl Kohan of Oswestry, England, and Valerie Gross of Port Angeles, WA.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial & celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 1:00-4:00pm, at McIntyre Hall, Skagit Valley College. Food & refreshments will be hosted.
If you would like to sign Ken's guestbook, or share a memory, please do so at www.hawthornefh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Kadlec
Sponsored by Hawthorne Funeral Home - Mount Vernon.
Layne Troftgruben
May 25, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out too you and your family ( Loren Carol and Donnie )
I´m so sorry for you loss of your brother Kenny he was wonderful man, and he will be missed.
God bless the three of you.
Layne Troftgruben
Michelle Ulvin
April 10, 2023
Much love to all the Kadlec's - you are all in our thoughts. Ken will be missed!
Denise Runyan
April 8, 2023
Although I worked with Ken only a couple of years, his impact on SFS was evident. A leader indeed. Condolences to his family. RIP Ken
Carol Jo
March 24, 2023
Ken was everything a brother should be and more. He is so missed but will be forever in my heart.
Loren Kadlec
March 19, 2023
Na shledanou , dear brother!
Diane Samuelson (Ulberg)
March 17, 2023
My sincere sympathy to Ken’s family and Loren, Carol and Don. Many Edinburg memories with friends and family.
Joe Best
March 7, 2023
A wonderful man and great family! Very sorry to hear this news and our hearts go out to Joan and the entire family.
Joe and Diane Best
Dave Folson
March 6, 2023
I am so very saddened to learn of Ken's passing. We were high school buddies and I have so many memorable times together, we stayed in touch over the years mostly by phone and e-mail. We got together in 2012 when we met with another high school buddy the late Jerry Hjelmstad. My sincere condolences to his wife Joan and his entire family, he will be missed by all
Dennis Boe
March 4, 2023
Many fond memories of Ken and his time working at Skagit Farmers with my father, Don Boe. I am sure the two of them are having a reunion in heaven.
Connie & John Davis
March 4, 2023
A dear & treasured friend is gone too soon. We have so many wonderful memories that we shared with the Kadlec family. Ken was always up to doing `fun stuff´. He loved his family, friends & his work. His ready smile & laughter was contagious. Gone but not forgotten. Always in our hearts...
Valerie Gross
March 4, 2023
Our family without Ken is impossible to imagine. He always took time for others through his generous spirit and kind heart. I have been blessed to have him as brother-in-law.
Ruth Turner
March 4, 2023
I´m so sorry to learn of Ken´s passing. My sincere sympathies to Joan, Courtney and family. Especially the boys. I know how hard it is to lose a grandpa. Sending love
Cheryl Kohan
March 4, 2023
The best brother-in-law ever. Ken was a lot of fun...the best tour guide. Always happy to show visitors around the area. He will be forever missed.
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Hawthorne Funeral Home - Mount Vernon1825 E. College Way PO Box 398, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
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