John A. Kadlec was born in Racine, Wisconsin in 1931 to Alice and Henry Kadlec. After graduating from Horlick High School, he entered the University of Michigan and received his B.S. degree. He then served in the military at Aberdeen, Maryland. He met and married his wife Bernice in Wilmington, Delaware in 1954. After leaving the service, he worked as a civilian for the Army as a radar instructor in Aberdeen, where their daughter Susan was born.
The family then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan so John could pursue his Ph.D. in wildlife science at the University of Michigan. While in Ann Arbor, their son Mark was born.
After graduation John went to work for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as a field ecologist. During this time, their son David and daughter Beth were born.
John then took a position with the Department of the Interior, stationed at the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
In 1968 John returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, as a professor.
In 1974 he accepted a position as department head of the Fisheries and Wildlife program at Utah State University. He eventually became Dean of the College and retired in 1999.
He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and served on the board of directors for the Bear River Refuge. He was affiliated with many scientific and professional organizations.
His favorite sport was duck hunting. He enjoyed carving his own decoys, both working and ornamental. His happiest times were on the marsh in his duck boat with his dog, enjoying the out-of-doors.
He is survived by his wife Bernice; his four children, Susan Kadlec of Logan, Mark (Laura) Kadlec of Ft. Collins, CO, David Kadlec of Logan, and Beth Kadlec of Logan; granddaughter Rachel; sister Ruby Hauch of Wisconsin and brother Robert (Kelli) of Michigan.
Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Ali Ben-Jacob, the wonderful people at Hospice, and the staff at Sunshine Terrace.
The funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 725 South 250 East, Hyde Park, UT 84318.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at
www.allenmortuaries.net
Arrangements cared for by Allen-Hall Mortuary