Kadunce

Walter L. Kadunce, 92, of Butler died Saturday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born April 1, 1916, in Claytonia, a son of the late Andrew N. and Teresa Lukeman Kadunce.

Walt was a graduate of the St. Michael School in Argentine.

In 1928, after his family moved to Butler, his first job was selling the Butler Eagle at the Nixon Hotel. He opened his first business, Walt’s Billiards, on South Main Street in 1937.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He served in the 967th Field Artillery in France and was awarded the Croix de Guerre medal from the French Government for gallant behavior during the war.

After his return from the Army, he and his brother, Abe, opened the Field and Stream Supply Shop on South McKean Street. At the same time, he and his good friend, Bob Haben, opened B & W bowling lanes also on South MeKean Street. In 1954, Walt and Bob moved their bowling lanes to the Bon-Aire Shopping center when they built the first 20-lane bowling house in the Butler area. He continued working at his business until his retirement in 1981.

Walter was a lifelong member of the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Butler and was personal friends with Pastor Vincent Marinaro. He was also a member of the VFW Post 249, the B.P.O.E 170 and the French & Belgium Club, and was a former member of the Italian Club.

Walt was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and greatly enjoyed gardening. He was also a great fan of many sports.

His wife, Margaret Dorcy Kadunce, who he married Aug. 11, 1941, preceded him in death July 12, 1999. His daughter, Susan, also preceded him in death in 2003. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and was preceded by five brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are his children, Roger P. Kadunce of Butler and Mrs. Matthew (Jackie) Dixon of Latrobe; four grandchildren and their spouses, Kara Dixon Campbell and Chris Campbell of Latrobe, Matthew W. and Jenny Dixon of State College, Ann Dixon Gavel and Tim Gavel of Latrobe and Lesley Kadunce Martsolf of Butler; and five great-grandchildren, Brennan, Tess and Brody Campbell and Jack and Noah Dixon. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.

KADUNCE – There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian burial for Walter L. Kadunce, who died Saturday, March 14, 2009, will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church with Father James Dolan, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Arrangements are by the GEIBEL FUNERAL HOME.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Butler County Unit of the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 2305, Butler, PA 16003.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.