Charles Kadrmas

Charles V. (Chuck) Kadrmas, 88, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 28, 2017.


A funeral mass for Charles will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church with Father Shannon Lucht celebrating.  Burial will be in St. Wenceslaus Cemetery at a later date.


Visitation for Charles will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 3 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary & vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m.


Charles was born January 25, 1929, to Rose (Simek) and Vincent Kadrmas, Jr.  He was raised on the family farm Northeast of Dickinson and attended Versippi School.  From a very young age, Charles wanted to be a musician.  He and his brother Vince learned to play by ear with a trumpet that they shared.  Later, they found an accordion, which they repaired with plaster of paris, and started playing together.  Their instruments went with them to the field, and they would practice while they stopped to feed the horses. They eventually learned to read music and started a band when Charles was 17 years old.  The Bohemian Melody Boys played on the radio on Sunday afternoons, which led to playing many dances, weddings, and anniversaries.


Charles married Beatrice Geiser on November 8, 1950. They lived on a farm Northwest of Dickinson, which he had purchased in 1949.  Chuck and Beaty raised 5 children on their family farm.


During this time, Chuck played with many different bands, and eventually started The Chuck Kadrmas Orchestra.  They made a couple of albums, which included original songs written by Charles.  At the height of their popularity, they played nearly every Friday and Saturday night, sometimes as many as 4 nights per week, and were booked for months in advance.  Charles continued playing music all of his life. In 2016 he was inducted into the Dakota Music Association Hall of Fame in Aberdeen, SD.


Although Chuck was very busy farming and playing his music, he always had time for family.  Sundays were dedicated to church and family activities.  Fond memories were spent in the family kitchen, where Beatrice taught the children to dance while Chuck played the accordion.  One of his greatest joys in life were his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.


Charles is survived by his wife, Beatrice, and their 5 children, Kim (Helen) of Plymouth, MN, Keith (Terry) of Hensler, ND, Ken (Rena) on the home farm, Elaine Dennis (Jim) of Dickinson, ND, and Tammie Dvorak (Jeff) of Gladstone, ND,  12 grandchildren:  Brett Kadrmas, Melissa Kadrmas, Dan Kadrmas, Luke Kadrmas, Sarah Kadrmas, Jim Kadrmas, Dave Kadrmas, Angela Jung, Josh Gengler, Cole Gengler, Grant Dvorak, and Grace Dvorak, and 9 great grandchildren:  ShayLynn, Morgan, Timothy, Kolten, Kaci, Breya, Edison, Peyton, and Abby.  He is also survived by his brother; Donald Kadrmas (Bert); and sister, Jane Ghents.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Vince; his sister, Lorraine Karsky; and his brother-in-law, Hank Ghents.


Kadrmas Charles Memorial Card


Burial Date: March 4, 2017
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND
Church Queen of Peace Catholic Church

Funeral Mass:  11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 4, 2017
Rosary & Vigil Service:  7:00 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home
Visitation:  1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home