Robert A. Kadar

Robert "Bob" Kadar of New Lenox, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2022, at the Manteno Veterans Home, where he was attended by the most caring and wonderful staff for more than a year. He was born on August 3,1950, the son of the late Angeline and Emil Kadar.

Bob had an unconventional childhood, spending time with his siblings in an orphanage in Chicago. At 17 he enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War. He was promoted to Lance Corporal and earned 3 Purple Hearts. He also received the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal for his selfless and heroic service. His personal struggles made him an endearing and compassionate man.

Home from Vietnam, Bob worked for a Crisis Line before working for the YMCA in Northern Minnesota as a canoe guide. It was there that he fell in love with the Northwoods and purchased a little cabin on Crane Lake, MN, that would become one of the great joys of his life. Time at the cabin was spent with friends and family fishing, canoeing, playing his guitar, telling stories, battling mice and mosquitos, and just generally trying to fix broken things. The cabin was Bob's heaven on earth.

Bob eventually moved back to Illinois and in 1982 he married Jeanie, the love of his life. Jean and Bob shared 40 years of marriage and have 2 children, Emily and Michael. He was a dedicated husband and father, working all day and then dropping what he was doing for an impromptu tea party with his daughter or building a minibike with his son. Later he rekindled the relationship with his son Josh and his family.

Bob was a true Jack of All Trades. He was a maintenance mechanic and auctioneer, before finally landing in the role of pawnbroker, where he worked until retirement. There was nothing in the world that he couldn't figure out or make better, and that was something he did not only at home, but for everyone he knew. He was truly beloved by all!

Bob wrote music and lyrics, played the guitar, and sang beautifully. If there was a campfire, he found it, grabbed his guitar, and entertained as long as the fire burned. His gregarious personality was larger than life.

Bob wanted everyone around him to laugh, to be happy and to feel loved, and he certainly succeeded. You always left an encounter with him better than you were before,

Bob is survived by his wife Jean (Boharski) Kadar; his children Emily (Jeremy) Brzycki, Michael Kadar, Joshua (Tricia) Cummings; grandchildren Maxwell and Owen Brzycki, and Aiyana and Joshua Cummings.Jr.; sisters Carol (Carl) Michaels, Darlene (James) Reinke and Tracy Kadar, and numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Bob was preceded in death by his brother Arthur "Art" Kadar.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd. New Lenox, IL on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, from 3pm – 8pm. Funeral Services will be on Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 10am followed by Interment at Abe Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.