Gene Raymond Kadlitz

Gene Raymond Kadlitz (Papa) passed away at age 79 after a valiant battle with cancer . He was surrounded by his beloved four children at his daughter's home in Shelby Twp. on June 13 ,2025. Gene was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 26, 1945 to the late Mary (Pszczolkowski )Kadlitz and Adolph (Al) Kadlitz . Gene began his journey as the oldest with four siblings and he spent his early childhood in a proud, hard working Polish community / Parish in Detroit where neighbors actually swept porches, sidewalks and curbs. He had many fond memories of attending St. Stanislas Catholic Church & School. The Kadlitz's moved to a German/ Polish neighborhood mid '50's where he proudly attended and graduated from St. David's Catholic School. Gene served as an Altar Boy while in elementary school and as a Cub Scout. He had a proud patriotic moment shaking hands with then Michigan Governor "Soapy" Williams. In High School, Gene showed extreme athleticism and he was praised in his 1964 Yearbook for having "honest to goodness 'guts' for being the first pole vaulter at SDH to ever attempt a jump, "He's a David's man." was written. Gene was also awarded several School Recognition Letters in Track & Field. The back story for this was that Gene survived meningitis as a young child and doctors predicted that he would never have the energy or stamina to ever participate in sports. While doctors speculated impairment, he made a lifetime of proving them wrong by not only participating, but by bringing "It home" with awards, medals & trophies and thus growing his self esteem in virtually every sport from downhill skiing in Alaska, golfing, bocce, horseshoes, basketball, bowling, baseball … and then there's his love of race cars . Gene's dream was always to become a Race Car driver. Anyone who ever drove with Gene will attest to his agility. These are the great family stories that have become legendary... as is his Red Challenger. Following graduation ,Gene went to work on the Assembly Line for Chrysler Corporation at the Dodge Main Plant in Hamtramck. In those days, family referred their nephews/ brothers right out of high school to earn a great wage. In 1965, Gene was drafted into the US Army 47th Infantry. He was Honorably Discharged in 1967 as a Vietnam Era Veteran after rising to E-5 Sargent serving in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Additionally, Gene proudly formed a Little League Baseball Team and was praised formally for inspiring good sportsmanship, integrity and teamwork among Alaskan/ Military youth and their families. Gene returned home to his family in Detroit and to his job at Dodge Main. Gene became engaged to Claudia Henning, also a St. David's Alumni, whom he had met while in high school. Claudia was also part of another large Catholic family. They married in 1969, became parents to four incredible children. Although they divorced after 25 years they remained lifelong friends to the very end, While sharing loving family memories, traditions, births of grandchildren and so much more . Over the years, Gene moved on in his career to his favorite position as Set- Up Machinist just as his father had done before him. Gene was always excellent in math, drafting and precision work. He was most proud of even doing specialty work for NASA. Gene was a lifelong Patron/fan of U of M Football, the Detroit Lions and never missed a Super Bowl Game. Also an avid Tiger's Baseball supporter. He was passionate about all Michigan sports teams. He shared this with his children and grandchildren. Throughout his life he taught the generations the game of Chess. His great memory was winning a game from his father-in-law, Earl Henning, who had held the record for wins. Recently it was delightful to see him teach his grandchildren and " letting them win"! Gene wanted to be remembered for his love of Family, Love of God and Country, and of being a proud Veteran. He enjoyed his time spent with family swimming, playing games, enjoying great BBQ just laughing, listening to AC/DC, scratch off tickets, watching fireworks together and sharing stories. He had a very full and wonderful life. Gene is survived by ex- wife, Claudia Kadlitz, who shared their lifetime of family, their children, Lesley Ann Sturgess, Heather Coleen Harvard , Alexander Paul (Alicia) Kadlitz and Courtney Marie ( Jared) Scheuerlein. Grandchildren are: Lacy, Ashlee and Nickolas Sturgess, Laurynn, Sophia and Jayden Harvard, Makayla, Tyler, Nathan and Trevor Kadlitz and Ryker and Everett Scheuerlein. Great- Grandchildren are Aubree and Jaxson Sturgess. Gene is also survived by his siblings, Lawrence (Carol) Kadlitz, sisters, Ann Marie Gennaro (Dr. Michael Gennari), Marlene Williams and Jeanette (John) Hartman and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Gene's life with a visitation and memorial service on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 1-8pm with a service at 2:30pm at the Wm Sullivan & Son Funeral Home located at 8459 Hall Rd (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica, Michigan. Gene will be Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 9:00am with military honors.

Gene Raymond Kadlitz

September 26, 1945 - June 13, 2025