Leonard James ("Mr. Hoya Hoya") Kadrmas

Leonard James Kadrmas, 86, passed away November 21, 2022, peacefully surrounded by his loving wife of 43 years, and family.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Services pending for summer of 2023.

Leonard was born in New Hradec, North Dakota, to Isadore and Emma (Ficek) Kadrmas on October 29, 1936. Leonard grew up on the family farm with his three brothers (Donald, Isadore “Izzy” and James) and sister (Gladys).

He moved to Dickinson, North Dakota, where he worked as manager of King’s Super Value. There, he met the love of his life, Vera Dukart. In July of 1979, Len and Vera were married. They blended their families and began a long life together. Len had three previous children: Linda, Jeff and Randy. Vera had two previous children: Michelle and Dawnette. In 1980, Len and Vera moved to Billings. They were active within the Catholic Church: St. Thomas, and currently St. Pius X. In 1983, they had a baby girl, Natashia. Just when they thought they were soon-to-be empty nesters! Surprise was on them!

Len loved his family and friends! His all-time joy was planning family reunions. He would plan one every couple of years, and was a strong believer in keeping family close. Everyone knew Len. Len and Vera owned a fashion jewelry company and Len traveled all over North America. He loved to drive. He would drive from Montana to Rhode Island. A lot of summer family vacations were work trips, with stops along the way.

Len always enjoyed traveling, fishing, dancing, polka music, playing cards, and being the star of the crowd. Everyone loved being around him. You always knew when he was around, he would walk into a room and yell “Hoya Hoya!” The music would start to play, wedding whiskey always seemed to make an appearance, friends and family would gather, and memories were made. Oh, the stories we could tell. They could go on for days, especially from our family reunions. It was a joy to watch him and his siblings get to together. Bohemian became very fluent when the Kadrmas family was together. All of us kids loved listening and learning the language. Through all the years and fun times, there was one thing that never changed about Len. His hair. ’Til the day he passed, that head of hair was a thick as thick could be. It went from pitch black, to some gray. But that hair was always combed, and sprayed into place.

Len was an amazing man. He raised his three children, Vera’s two children, their own child Natashia, and then their granddaughter Ashley. They always welcomed friends and family, day or night, into their home. Len loved to host get-togethers, card nights, BBQ’s, and to have the kids’ friends over. The door was always open, food in the fridge, and a hug to be had.

The last few years of his life, the twins made their appearance and became the highlight of his existence. Len was so excited to have little babies around again! Len and Vera watched them faithfully, attended any event they could, snuggles to sleepovers, he loved those two grandbabies. He loved all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Young and old, he was proud of them all!

Len will be deeply missed by his wife, Vera; children: Linda, Jeff (Rebekah and family), Randy (and family), Michelle (Skeeter and family), and Natashia (Sterling and family); multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald, and daughter Dawnette.