Wayne Eric Kadlec

Wayne Eric Kadlec passed away on October 23, 2021 after living with a degenerative brain disorder for the last 14 years. He was born in Rumford, Maine on April 6, 1950. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathryn (Kathy) of Sussex, WI, his children Michelle (Marcus) Kuhnert, Steven (Stacey) Kadlec, and Mark Kadlec, his 6 beloved grandchildren Amanda, Brandon, Mason, Dylan, Morgen, and Alivia. He also leaves behind brother & sister in laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Wayne was a dedicated employee in the beverage can industry for over 30 years and was very involved in his union from being a Union Steward to Treasurer. Wayne was often described as an intelligent life changing man who would put others before himself in any given scenario. His passion to help others was exemplified through his work with the Sussex-Lisbon Jaycees. He along with his entire family dedicated hours upon hours to working bingo, running the concession stand during softball season, heading the needy families project for Thanksgiving & Christmas, participating in the Sussex Senior Center activities, visiting children in the hospital as Big Bird, and other impactful events. Wayne was most proud of winning “The Jaycee Family of the Year in 1985”. Additionally, the honor of becoming a Jaycee Senator was bestowed upon Wayne for demonstrating dedication to the organizational mission. Known by many as a connoisseur of music, Waynes musical taste varied greatly loving genres from Big Band, Country, and music from the 50’s through the 80’s. He was always known as the “cool dad”. His musical knowledge was often tested by family and friends and 99% of the time he knew the answer. His trivia knowledge did not only come from music but he was the only person we knew that could answer at least 90% of the questions on Jeopardy and was required to answer the entire card to win a family game of Trivial Pursuit. Looking back, Wayne had many loves. Even after a long work shift, he would come home with next to no sleep and watch every Green Bay Packer game. In addition to the Packers, he enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Admirals hockey, Wisconsin Badgers Hockey and Football, and the WCHA Hockey League. Wayne looked forward to going to Indian Summer at the Summerfest grounds every year with his granddaughter Amanda. He also enjoyed traveling and visited many National Parks with Kathy, spent time in northern Wisconsin with Steve and Mark, traveled to Colorado to see Michelle and her family, and Florida to see our beloved late Aunt Pat and Cousin Ella. His passion for movies also consumed him as he was an avid lover of films, actors and actresses, and frequently learned birthplaces, born surnames, etc. of all of his favorites. Wayne will be sorely missed by many and left his mark on those he touched. No services have been planned at this time. Rest in Peace Wayne, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, & friend