"One of my favorite students with that infectious smile that usually made my day. Only the good die young. RIP Andy. "
In loving memory of
Col. Andrew M. Kaczmarek
July 16, 1969 - April 25, 2018
Air Force Col. Andrew M. Kaczmarek, 48, of Malvern, Iowa, passed away on April 25, 2018 near Malvern. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Offutt Air Force Base Catholic Church (Capehart Chapel) in Bellevue, Nebraska. Military Honors and Interment will be held in the Omaha National Cemetery. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the family
Andrew (Andy) Martin Kaczmarek, one of four children of Stanley and Betty (Karling) Kaczmarek, was born on July 16, 1969 in Wakefield, Michigan. He graduated from AD Johnston High School in 1987. Andrew received his Bachelors in Business from Michigan Tech and his Masters in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University.
Upon completing his graduate degree in Public Administration, Col Kaczmarek/Andy received a direct commission into the Air Force Medical Service Corps in 1998. He has been stationed at numerous bases in five different Major Commands. Prior to his assignment at the 55th Medical Group, Offutt AFB as the Administrator, Andy was the commander of the Medical Support Squadron at the 10th Medical Group, US Air Force Academy, Colorado. He also deployed to Bagram Air Base in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and to Camp Victory, Baghdad in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Andy's military decorations include six Meritorious Service Medals, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, and two Air Force Commendation Medals.
Andrew and Wendy Johnson were united in marriage on August 17, 1991 in Ewen, Michigan. The couple was blessed with three children, Katie, Jeffrey, and Jay.
Andrew enjoyed bird hunting with his beloved dog Addy, fly fishing, and being outside working on his yard. He loved spending time with his wife and children, all who were his pride and joy. Andrew was a loving husband, an amazing dad, and a great friend to all who knew him.
Andrew passed away on April 25, 2018 near Malvern, Iowa, at the age of 48. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Betty as well as his father and mother-in-law, Lewis and Jean Johnson; and brother-in-law, Scott Johnson.
Andrew is survived by his wife Wendy of Malvern; children, Katie, Jeffrey and Jay; brother Stan Kaczmarek (Kelly); sisters Monica Kuchinski (Brian) and Angela Stengard (Garth); sisters-in-law Sharon Huhtala, Nancy Cook (Bruce), Colleen Britton (Albert), Rhonda Johnson-Leaf (Hank), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tributes
"Andy leaves warm thoughts and memories with all those who knew him. Our prayers go to his family and close friends. Mike Wyrick, Major General, USAF, Ret Chief, MSC Corps 1994-2000 "
"Kaczmarek Family! We (members of the Air Force and all who knew Andy) are hurting today -for your loss and for everyone's loss of a gentleman, friend, and leader. We were lucky to have Captain (and Major) Andy Kaczmarek direct logistics and facilities at Keesler Medical Center (especially during Hurricane Katrina!). His positive, supportive style was just what we needed to help keep us safe, focused on the tasks at hand, and looking forward to our positive future. Godspeed Andy! Lt Col (Ret) Burney Payne"
"I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Gary Seitz Col, USAF, MSC (ret)"
"Dear Wendy, Katie, Jay, & Jeffrey -- Our sincere condolences to you all, on the loss of your dear dad, Andy. We do not have the words to describe our sadness. Please accept our condolences. You are all in our hearts, in our prayers. With love, David & Athena Dowell "
"We will miss you here at Eielson. Blessings and prayers for the whole family, and thank you for your support throughout Andy's military career. God's speed."
"I remember when then Captain K became by boss at Eielson AFB. He was a great guy who cared for his people and loved his family. My prayers go out to the family and all of the people he affected in his life. I send a final salute to a genuine man, officer and gentleman. "
"Col Kaczmarek was an amazing person. In our time working together, he taught the art of patience and that silence can be golden. He always spoke very highly of everyone, especially his family. If you ever wanted to get him to talk, all you had to mention was family and fishing! My prayers go out to Wendy and the kids. "
"I am so saddened by the news of my former boss. My condolences to the family. My prayers are with the family. Rest in Heaven. Lt Col Carissa Grant"
"I met Andy in my college days, as his older brother Stan adopted me during school breaks. Andy was always a gentle, genuine, fun person to be around. I haven't met many people if my life with the same type of kindness and integrity that Andy and all his siblings and parents displayed. It was an honor to know him. Even though our times together were not as many as with most other friends, my admiration from Andy was short to no one else. I am so very sorry for Wendy and their kids, Stan, Monica, Angela, and the rest of Andy's family. I pray that God will give them the courage they need to endure this pain, and find comfort in knowing that Andy is now with our Heavenly father and his earthly parents, whom he loved so dearly. The pain is for those of us left behind. But I know they/we will reunite some day. And I expect to see Andy with that same genuine, fun loving smile I always picture him in my mind. Tell your parents I said hi, Andy! Thanks for the memories."
"Col Kaczmarek was a great man and boss. My condolences to the Kaczmarek family. My prayers are with you. Thank you for your service and rest in peace. Nancy Carreon"
"I am saddened by the news of Andy passing on to continue his journey with God. I praying for you, Wendy, Katie, Jeffrey and Jay that the Lord comfort and show his fullest love during this time of mourning. Any was a humble and loving leader who was kind in his interactions with people. We had lunch a couple of years ago which was the last time we spent time. But our paths cross at different points in our career and considered him a friend and brother in arms. Thank you for all the memories and setting such a great example. If you need anything please let me know. "
"Col Kaczmarek was a great example to many of us in the Air Force. He taught the importance of continuing to learn our Professional Military Education and was always proud of his family. God bless your family and give you strength, comfort and wisdom in the days to come. Sincerely- Lt Col Aimee Morales"
"Heidi and Mike McKay Our deepest condolences to your family in your time of grief. Thank you for your service and protecting our country you will be missed!!"
"Sending deepest condolences to alll the family. Thank you for sharing Andy with our country! God bless you all?"
"Sending deepest condolences to alll the family. Thank you for sharing Andy with our country! God bless you all?"
"Growing up with Andy I know he was nothing but a nice man....I send his wife and family bunches of strength at this time...he will be missed. Tina Colberg Sullivan"
"Thoughts and prayers to entire family. Deepest sympathies. Dusty & Cindy Rolando "
"Thoughts and prayers to entire family. Deepest sympathies. Dusty & Cindy Rolando "
"My condolences to the Kaczmarek family. My prayers are with you. God Speed Colonel. Thank you for your service and rest in peace. "
"Keeping you all in my prayers. "
"I am sad for this young family. I pray God gives you daily strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of husband and father. ?????"
"I am sad for this young family. I pray God gives you daily strength and comfort as you mourn the loss of husband and father. ?????"