Robert "Bob" Ladeck, age 74, passed away Friday evening July 13, 2007, after a brief bout with cancer. Before passing Bob wrote the following:

"It is not everyday that a person gets to write his or her own obituary. I have that opportunity, so here it goes.

I was born January 10, 1933 on the great south side of Chicago, the adopted son of John and Frances (Radtke) Ladeck. I was raised on the south side of Chicago and attended St. Margaret Mary Grammar School, St. Leo High School and MacCormac School of Commerce where I received an Associate Degree in Business Administration.

On February 24, 1953, I received greetings from Uncle Sam and became a member of the U.S. Army. I was shipped to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. After 16 weeks of basic training in the infantry and Corps of Engineers, I was assigned to a regimental cadre unit. I supervised a regimental post office for the remainder of my tour of duty, and was awarded the rank of Sergeant, an accomplishment of great pride to me.

After my discharge on February 23, 1955, I spent some time catching up on the lives of my family and my Chicago-land friends. In the spring of 1956 I moved to Marquette and worked for the Holland Furnace Co., and later for LaSalle Wine Co. Also in the spring of 1956, I had a glorious encounter when I met Mary Jane "Jane" Hogan, who became Mrs. Robert Ladeck. In November of 1956, I moved back to the Chicago area to seek better employment. Jane and I were married on August 2, 1958 at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Marquette. After a honeymoon in Gladstone, believe it or not, we started our lives together in the western suburbs of Chicago. I worked in the accounting departments and tax departments of Midwest Emery Freight Lines, and Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. In August 1976, I left CBI to pursue a career in photography. I photographed people, places and things until my retirement to Gladstone in 1994.

Activities that I enjoyed were: coaching kids baseball and organizing a teen club, whose purpose was having fun, and fund raising for the benefit of others. Either through business or vacations, Jane and I were able to visit most of the famous cities in the U.S. and Canada.

I was a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Board Member of the Professional Photographers of Northern Illinois and a member of the Kiwanis Club."

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances Ladeck and loving sister, Marcia. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane, 3 special nieces, Jeannette (Jerry) Cipolla, Valerie (Rick) Bell and Lucille (Mark) Nickelson. Bob touched the lives of his nieces by being a substitute father while they were growing up and beyond. They also touched his life. Survivors also include, great nephew, Tony Patano, his son Maxximus and great niece Karla Patano.
 
A memorial mass to celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" T. Ladeck will be conducted, Monday at 5:00PM, at the Holy Family Catholic Church with Fr. Jose Maramattam officiating. Luncheon will follow memorial services in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale Memphis, TN 38105, Ph.# 1800-822-6344. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Ladeck family with arrangements.