Walter M. Kedzior

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Walter Michael Kedzior who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Walter was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Walter knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

Walter was born on June 16, 1930 at home in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Walter and Helen Kedzior. Walter was raised in Chicago, Illinois. Even as a youngster, Walter learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

Walter's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Walter enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Walter took part in baseball, bowling, and roller skating. In his spare time, he liked Lionel trains, and baseball.

In school, Walter was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Walter was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Walter’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Crane Tech in 1948. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was Mechanical Engineering/ Drawing.

Walter was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Walter was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Walter came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Johnny Mazza, Phil Marzarillo and Chuck Tavermina. Later in life, he became friends with Pete and Betty Youngwerth, Chuck Holmer, Larry and Lilla Malecki, Chuck and Eileen Stevens, Bill and Judi Watt, and Dennis and Maelynn Zimmer.

An objective and conscientious individual, Walter reveled in the security of his family. On April 11, 1959 Walter exchanged wedding vows with Lorraine Joan Theresa Gabriel at the Our Lady of Grace Church of Chicago, Illnois. One of Walter’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

Walter was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Walter would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Walter was blessed with two children, one daughter Cynthia and one son Walter. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Gerald V. Marx III (24 years old), Sarah Kedzior (18 years old), Mitchell Kedzior (14 years old), Jackson Powell (8 years old), Dalton Powell (7 years old), and Samuel Kedzior (7 years old).

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Walter was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Walter was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Walter upheld his standards. His primary occupation was quality control manager. He was employed for 20 years at Chicago Rawhide and 27 years at Seaquist. Walter was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Walter was an Army Veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He was in the Army: entered on 7/21/1948 to 7/21/1949 with an Honorable Discharge. Stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Private E-2.

Walter approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were collecting coins, stamps, making puzzles, playing cards, and watching sports of all kinds. Walter was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Walter to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Walter played Baseball. Recreational sports included bowling, softball, and golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were baseball (Cubs!), basketball (Bulls and Lakers), and football (Bears).

Being generous with his time and energy, Walter liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Walter was very involved in Ceramics. This was a wonderful passion that Walter enjoyed and excelled at.

Faith was important to Walter. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of St. Stephens for 27 years, St. Alphonsus in Arlington Heights, Illinois for 21 years, St. Thomas in Crystal Lake, Illinois for 9 years, and the Shrine in Southern Nevada for 16 years.

As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Walter could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Walter; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included those for ceramic work from Black Mountain Ceramic Association: Walter won four 1st Place Blue Ribbons, three ribbons for "Best in Group." The Nevada Ceramic Association bestowed two 1st Place Blue Ribbons and two ribbons for "Best of Group.".

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Walter used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Walter had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Las Vegas, an Alaskan Cruise, Panama Canal Cruise, and a Caribbean Cruise.

Walter was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Walter’s favorites was Ziggy, a Dauschund, and Bootsy, a Heinz 57 mixed breed. His family was rounded out by his birds, (parakeets), named Pretty Pete and Tweety.

When Walter’s retirement finally arrived in June 16, 1995, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Henderson, Nevada. In many ways, Walter loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Walter passed away on August 13, 2011 at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Walter fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, children, Cynthia, (David) Powell, Walter, (Susan) Kedzior, and six grandchildren; Gerald, Sarah, Mitchell, Jackson, Dalton, and Samuel. Services were held at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada, and St. Peter & Paul Church in Cary, Illinois. Following Walter's cremation, the ashes are to be scattered at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs in Chicago, Illinois.

All who knew him would agree that Walter was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Walter Michael Kedzior did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.