Victor J. “Vic” Ladendecker

Victor (Vic) Joseph Ladendecker was born December 8^th, 1922. Vic passed away on December 15th at age 94.  Vic was married to Mary Jane for 72 years; together they raised three children, Kathy, Dick and Tom.  In many ways Vic was quiet, but he enjoyed being surrounded by his family.

Vic was a veteran serving in the Army Air Corp during World War II.  After basic training in Miami, he trained as an aircraft engine mechanic in Chicago.  Vic was then stationed in Trinidad through his enlistment.

Vic worked at Carter Carburetor for 43 years retiring as a bench hand.  At home he spent some of his free time creating things from items he found around the house.  Backscratchers were just one of the many items he enjoyed making.  I would guess every family member had one and no two scratchers were alike.  Scrap wood was always his main choice of material.  Some of his other creations included lamps, canes, games, wood puzzles, Yoyo’s, birdhouses, a nativity set and more.  Vic kept busy, he was never one to just sit around with nothing to do.

If the truth be known, Vic was the original MacGyver.  He always had an unconventional way of fixing or repairing something broken.  Anyone could go to the store and buy a part but this did not interest MacGyver Vic.  That was no challenge.  Vic found it more interesting to make a part to fix the problem, and although it may have been unconventional he successfully fixed the problem, at least temporarily.

He knew how to think out of the box.  Vic wasn’t restrained by conventional thought.  He enjoyed reading, playing cards, playing golf, horseshoes and square dancing.  He loved watching the Cardinals and complaining about every poor throw or missed play.  Vic was learning Spanish at Villa Theresa just this past year!  When he was younger Vic was also a bowler, and I guess he thought if three holes were good why wouldn’t 5 holes be better and provide more control.  So he drilled 2 more holes in his bowling ball.  This is truly a MacGyver move.

Vic put labels on many of his personal possessions.  Sometimes he engraved on his wood creations and other times he would merely stick a label with his name and address on his cane, walker or anything he wanted to keep track of.

When he was introduced to a new person, He would say “That’s Vik with a K.” Not sure anyone understood this new spelling, but no one anyone ever asked. Maybe he was just being funny or quirky.

Vic was a devout Catholic and believed in heaven.  He attended Mass faithfully with Mary Jane, they could be seen sitting in front holding hands throughout the ceremony.

Rest in peace MacGyver Vic or Vik with a K, whatever you’re going by in heaven. You’ve had a good life - save us all a place at the table for a family reunion sometime in the future, but…….there’s no rush.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.