Raymond Jim Kaderka

Raymond was born on October 6, 1935, in Granger, Texas. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1955, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy Gola. After marrying Dorothy, they began their greatest journey—building a family, which Raymond considered his proudest accomplishment.

He deeply loved spending time with every member of his family and taught all of us the true meaning of love. Raymond found joy in cooking, football, hunting, building things, celebrating holidays, and watching his beloved hummingbirds.

Raymond was known for his generous heart—always ready to lend a hand to a friend in need. He never met a stranger and treated everyone with kindness and compassion. He prayed for others daily, and we will deeply miss his sweet text messages reminding us how much he loved and thought of us. His unwavering faith was an inspiration to all who knew him.

A proud Veteran, Raymond served in the 49th Armored Division. He worked for many years as a self-employed HVAC mechanic and later became a Maintenance Supervisor for the Texas National Guard Armory Board, where he was deeply respected by colleagues. He retired to care for his beloved wife Dorothy during her illness, demonstrating his lifelong devotion to her.

Raymond is survived by his children:

• Jan Youngbloom (Richard) of Caldwell, TX

• Jim "Buckshot" Kaderka of Granger, TX

• Missy Kunze (Kent) of Taylor, TX

He was preceded in death by:

• His wife, Dorothy Gola Kaderka

• His daughter, Becky Morgan (Tommy)

• His parents, Frances Sodoma and Edward Kaderka

• His siblings: Josephine Mikeasky, Bernard Kaderka, and Loretta Nauert

Raymond cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:

• Courtney Hartgrove (children: Bailey and Hayden Thomas)

• Matt Hartgrove (Shea; children: Peyton and Hudson)

• Amanda Brown (Kendall; children: Camille, Zane, and Kenna Rae)

• Kayla Brown (Caleb; children: Kase, Kreece, and Lori Jo)

• Rachel Shelton (Bryan; daughter: Leona)

• Blake Allen (Jessica; children: Landon and Ava Rose)

• Justin Allen (Lorena; children: Torin “TJ” and Addelyn “Addie”)

• Garet Allen (child: Aiden Ray)

• Kody Kunze (child: Kase)

• Extended family: Celese Bishop (Andy; children: Jaden and Stella)

Raymond was surrounded by a large, loving village—cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and his beloved social group “The Klatch” (JoAnn, Pat, Claudia, Joan, Jeanette, Linda, Maggie, Lydia, Twila, Jessica), as well as his dear friend LouAnn (LouLou).

He was cared for by a devoted team of caregivers who he deeply appreciated and loved. Special thanks to Nurse Maria, Katie, Margaret, Fatimat, Zeina, Kim, Destineek, the hospice team, social workers, Chaplain, his St. Louis team including Janie, Mike, and Deacon Mark, and his Meals on Wheels friend, Shannon.

Raymond personally chose his pallbearers: grandsons Matt, Blake, Justin, Garet, Zane, and Hudson. His remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Funeral Services:

Please join us on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church (Burnet Road):

• Visitation: 11:00 a.m.

• Rosary: 12:00 p.m.

• Mass: 12:45 p.m.

Burial will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, TX.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the SPJST Hall in Taylor, TX following the burial.

Raymond Jim Kaderka, age 89, of Austin, Texas passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025.