John L. “Jack” Kaudy, age 96 of Stetsonville, died peacefully on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at Winter Haven Assisted Living in Marshfield where he resided for the past year.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 215 South Washington Avenue, Medford, WI at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2018, with Father Phil Juza officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Neillsville City Cemetery.
A rosary service will start at 8:30 a.m. and visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday.
Jack was born on July 31, 1922, in Neillsville, WI to Lewis and Elsie (Metcalf) Kaudy. He graduated from Neillsville High School and worked odd jobs before enlisting in the United States Army in March of 1943. Jack proudly served his country during World War II as a paratrooper in the 517th Regiment Combat Team. During the Southern France invasion of 1944, Jack subsequently received his honorable discharge and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Upon returning to Wisconsin, he worked in Wausau where he met and married his wife Delores Orlikowski in 1948. The young couple moved to Baraboo where Jack worked for the Wisconsin Highway State Patrol. He eventually moved his family to Stetsonville where they lived for the next 65 years. After leaving the state patrol, Jack worked throughout the state of Wisconsin on road construction. In 1960 his career path led him to a job with Neuendorf Transportation Company where he worked for several years. Weather Shield Manufacturing was also part of his working career, finally retiring in 1990.
Survivors include his children, Mary Wojtowicz of Roseville, MN, Diane Dittrich of Medford, Jeanette Kaudy of Marshfield, Jim (Sue) Kaudy of Hewitt, WI, and Susie Hubbard of Medford; his grandchildren, Lisa, Wendy, Angela, Kelly, Jessica, Lindsey, Shelby, Amy, JD (Bud), Carly, and Maxwell; his great-grandchildren, Jack, Spencer, Keegan, Ava, Lillian, Grace and Tommy.
He was preceded in death by his wife Delores, a daughter, Jane Kaudy Marx, and a sister Marie Conway.
The family would like to send out a special “Thank You” to Pamela Johns, Dee, and Myles at Winter Haven, and Ministry Home Hospice for their care and compassion shown towards Jack.
Memorial donations may be given to the family for a future designation.
Hemer Funeral Service of Medford and Rib Lake has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com
