Obituary of James Roger Kardeke
James Roger Kardeke, 75, died peacefully in his home in North Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2023, with his daughters, and beloved dogs, at his side. Born November 17, 1947, to Leo and June Kardeke in Chicago, Illinois, he dropped out of high school and joined the U.S. Navy. Stationed at Alameda Naval Air Station, he met and married his soul mate, Lynda Carol Pengra, Sept. 23, 1966—just three weeks after having met in Walnut Creek, California. Together, they had three children: Cassandra Anne, Christine Marie, and James Roger Jr.
After 11 years service in the Navy, and returning to California from having served in Vietnam, he left the service and began working in law enforcement with the Oakland Police Department. Not long after, he joined the U.S. Army, continued his career in law enforcement, took his family all over the world, and retired at Sierra Army Depot, California, in 1986. He was patriotic, believed in service to country and continued working 20 more years with the Department of Defense in various law enforcement positions until retiring at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, in 2008. Afterwards, he and his wife moved to North Las Vegas, where they spent the rest of their time together until Lynda passed in May 2021.
He was a devoted family man and enjoyed sports, particularly football and NASCAR. Although born in Chicago, he was an ardent Green Bay Packer fan. He and his daughter, Christine, traveled the country and attended several NASCAR races. He also became a huge Vegas Golden Knights hockey fan when they started in Las Vegas. He loved his pets, who cuddled up with him all the time, and remained at his side when he passed.
He is survived by his two daughters, Cassandra and Christine; his sisters, Nancy and Barbara, two grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and one cousin. He was preceded in death by his son, James Roger Kardeke Jr.; his wife, Lynda Carol Kardeke; and parents, June and Leo Kardeke. No services are planned as he wished to be cremated along with his wife and son, followed by a quiet family gathering to say their farewells in the Red Woods of California