George "Duke" N. Kardos

GEORGE “DUKE” N. KARDOS

FORMERLY OF RACINE

SARASOTA, FL

George “Duke” N. Kardos, age 90, passed away September 3, 2021 at his residence in Sarasota, FL. He was born in Racine April 25, 1931 son of the late Nicholas and Katherine (Nee: Moko) Kardos.

Duke was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, “Class of 1951”. He proudly served his country in the US Marines, where he excelled in boxing. On October 25, 1952, he was united in marriage to his “Love Machine” Barbara Benicek.

He was employed by Racine Fire and Rescue and was a scuba diver for the water rescue team. Duke had a great work ethic, working for various companies installing garage doors. In his earlier years he played for the Racine Raiders and was a referee for several Racine baseball leagues. He also will be remembered as one of Racine’s best billiard players, receiving many trophies. He served as Faithful Navigator 4th degree Knights of Columbus, Council 697. Duke proudly wore bronze many years on the Iwo Jima float in the Racine Fourth of July Parade. Upon retirement Duke was employed as a deputy medical examiner. He and his wife relocated to Florida ten years ago.

He leaves to cherish his wife of 68 years, Barbara; children, Brian (Janet) Kardos, Carolyn (Mitchell) Wemmert, Nancy (Michael) Anderson, Marijane (Jim) Stafford; 6 grandchildren: Samuel Wemmert, Sara (Josh) Riso, Justin Kohel (Mike Sorenson), Andrew Kohel, Brandon (Kelsea) Kohel, Kat (Dan) Brosnan; one great granddaughter, Kassidy; nieces, nephews other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parent’s, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Bill) Ertel.

A Private Celebration of life will be held in Sarasota. FL. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Memorials to One’s favorite charity have been suggested by the family.