Steve Nick "Buddy" Kaska Jr., age 68, of Waco, passed away early Monday morning, January 27, 2025 at Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco.
A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, with Rev. Thomas Jones as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott.
Buddy was born on March 3, 1956, in Waco, Texas, to Steve and Katie (Soukup) Kaska. He grew up in Abbott, where he attended school and graduated from Abbott High School in 1974. A loyal fan of the Abbott Panthers, Buddy never lost his connection to his alma mater. He later went on to study at Hill Junior College in Hillsboro. On March 12, 1977, Buddy married Judith Bajer in Waco, and together they built a life filled with love and memories. He was an active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church throughout his life. Buddy dedicated 21 years serving as the Maintenance Director at Reicher High School, retiring in 2022. He also worked for 25 years at Fleetwood and Clayton Mobile Home Manufacturing, and was known as "Mr. Everything" for his 38 years at the Heart of Texas Speedway. Buddy also worked at Texas Thunder Speedway in Killeen and at Dubl R Hamburgers, showing his versatility and strong work ethic in every endeavor. Outside of work, Buddy had many hobbies and interests. He loved racing, recycling metal, building anything from scratch, woodworking, and working with leather. He was also an avid gambler, enjoying trips to Winstar. Through it all, Buddy’s passion for life and community remained at the heart of everything he did.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Janette Marie Kaska; and sisters-in-law, Rose Ann Kaska and Janet Bezdek.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 47 years, Judith Kaska of Waco; his daughter, Amanda Ziegler and husband Chris of China Spring; the joy of his life his grandchildren, Dylan and Katherine Ziegler; a brother, Ron Kaska; his sisters, Joan Thoede and husband Don, and Nancy Sustala and husband Bill; a brother-in-law, Mike Bezdek; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers are Ryan Kaska, Roger Kaska, Phillip Sustala, David Maddison, Selby Holder, and Larry Nesrsta.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel
Friday, January 31, 2025
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
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