Laddie Zahradka

Laddie Zahradka, Park River, entered into the gates of heaven on September 7, 2015 with his wife and family at his side. Laddie was born May 15, 1932 at Shepherd Township, Walsh County to Valerian Zahradka and Rose Kubat Zahradka. Laddie was the 6th of 7 children. Laddie met and married Delores DeSautel, the local school teacher, in 1952. Laddie entered the service in 1953 and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. Laddie returned from the service in 1955, and then started farming with his father. Laddie and Delores had 4 daughters, Karen, Marlene, Nancy, Betty and 2 sons, Douglas and Richard. Laddie was active on the Shepherd School Board, St. Catherine's Church Board, ZCBJ Lodge member, Elks Club at Devils Lake, Shepherd Township Board and was caretaker of the Zahradka/Pecka Cemetery. In the 70's Laddie worked at the MSR Base. After retiring from farming, Laddie worked for Langdon Cement Company and various farmers. Laddie lost his wife Delores in 1985. In 1988 Laddie married Irene Bina Kovarik. Laddie and Irene lived on the farm until 2012, when they move to Park River. Laddie is survived by his wife Irene, his daughters, Karen (Ronald) Volk, Harvey, ND, Marlene (Marc) Poole, Avinger, TX, Nancy (Greg) Hammer, Fairdale, ND, Betty (Jeff) Vikan, Langdon, ND and sons, Douglas (Rhonda) Zahradka, Brookings, SD and Richard Zahradka, Wilmington, DE. Step children Dale (Shelly) Kovarik, Park River, ND, Dean (Nadean) Kovarik, Big Storm City, SD and Janet (Fred) Vacca, Phoenix, AZ. Laddie is survived by grandchildren: Robert (Ginger), David (Jill) & Tim (Caitlin) Volk, Sarah (Shawn) Nygaard, Ross (Lexy), Kyle (Christine) Hammer, Andrew, Brian (Missy) Vikan, Kristi (Steve) Allery, Kimberly Vikan, Karlie Zahradka and Garret Heitkamp. 13 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren. Laddie is also survived by a sister Gladys Moen of Devils Lake, ND and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton, and sisters: Blanche Bata, Alice Cesik, Marion Birmingham, and Mildred Zahradka. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, September 11, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River, ND. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. Military Rites will be provided by the Lankin American Legion Post #157 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be at the St. Catherine of Lomice Cemetery of rural Lawton, ND.