Josef Kadlec

Josef “Joseph” Kadlec, 69, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home surrounded by family on January 26, 2021 of heart failure in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

Joseph was born on January 16, 1952 in Prague, Czechoslovakia to Josef Kadlec and Ludmila Kadlecova. He had an idyllic childhood growing up in the small town of Cernosice, outside of Prague. He was a very adventurous and high-spirited child. He loved exploring his surroundings and playing by the river Berounka. Everyone always laughed that “you could hear him but not see him”.

Joseph married his high school sweetheart Jarka Jezkova on April 24, 1970. They had three children, Renata, Richard, and Diana. He and Jarka brought their family to the United States in May of 1983 for better opportunities.

Joseph’s main occupations were European import car mechanic and long-haul truck driver. He eventually was able to start his own trucking business, Kadlec Transport. He worked very hard to provide for his family.

Joseph had a big smile and a bigger heart. He loved people and to laugh and make others laugh. He had many hobbies and passions. He loved camping in the mountains, fishing, hunting, skiing, boating, motorcycling, flying, reading books, watching Formula 1 and motorcycle racing, animals, gardening, socializing, and spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Jarka, Children: Renata, Richard and Diana (Brian), Grandchildren: David (Tia), Mathew, Lilian and Evalyn, Great Grandchildren: Abigail, Adelyn, and Lincoln, Sisters: Nadejka and Ludmila, Brother-in-law Ivan, Nephews and Nieces: Karel, Arnost, Daniela, Michal, Hedvicka, Iva, and Jirka. He was preceded in death by his parents Josef and Ludmila Kadlec.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses from Intermountain Heart Clinic that helped Joseph with his health after major heart surgery in 2014 as well as his Quality Hospice nurses that took such good care of him until his passing.

At his request he was cremated. A celebration of life open house will be held on July 31, 2021 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 East Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.