Joseph “Joe” Michael Kardos of Inverness, FL formerly of Cadillac, MI passed away peacefully at Citrus Memorial Hospital with family by his side on November 17, 2024. He was 87 years old
Joe was born on August 9, 1937, in Sopronkövesd, Hungary to Istvan and Maria Kardos. He was one of eight children.
In 1955, Joe emigrated to Austria and later graduated from high school in the small mountain town of Innsbruck. He came to the United States in 1957 with 3 dollars and a pocket watch and settled in the Cadillac, Michigan area.
Joe began working at Kysor in Cadillac and continued his education, earning a diploma in industrial engineering and human resources. He held many positions there, including plant superintendent and manufacturing engineering manager. He was well liked and respected for his leadership and the way he treated people. Joe retired from the company after 39 years.
He returned to Hungary in 1966 to visit family and met his wife, Gyongyike “Ginger” Horvath. They married in 1967 and a year later she came to the United States. They had 2 children, Rosemarie and David.
Joe enjoyed many activities including working outside, skiing, bowling, playing cards and soccer (both playing and coaching). He was instrumental in helping bring youth soccer to Cadillac in the late 70s and later high school soccer. Of all activities, he enjoyed golfing the most. He lived on the golf course and could be seen there on many occasions honing his golf skills. He scored two holes-in-one in his lifetime.
After retiring, he and his wife bought a house in Inverness, Florida and began “snowbirding” back and forth from Michigan. In 2020, they made the move to Florida permanent, enjoying warm weather and year-round golf.
Joseph is survived by his loving spouse, Ginger Kardos; his children, Rosemarie Skinner (Anthony Sedrowski) and David (Antoinette) Kardos; his sister, Piroska Szabo; and his grandchildren, Gabriella Harley (Shane Ackman), Stephen Kardos, Graceanne Skinner (Christian Beardsley), Justin Kardos, Tristian Skinner (Anna Schober), and Ashley Kardos. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as several brothers and sisters.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday December 21st, 1:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Inverness. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Heart Association. Cremation with Care by Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home.
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