Paul J. Kadlec, age 74, of Manhattan, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2017 at Silver Cross Hospital, New Lenox. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Phillis (nee Basso), his children; Christina (Steven) Brann, Paul (Dana) Kadlec, Helen (Tim) Pecho and Hollie (Thomas Rayburn) Guzman, his grandchildren, Korey and Kevin Brann, Lane, Jade, and Paulie Kadlec, Gracie, Carmen, Nicky and Joey Pecho, Kenner, Lola, Karter and Konrad Guzman, and Easton Rayburn. Paul was a veteran of the United States Army, he was a truck driver for 33 years, a member of the Local 705 and was a long time member of St. Joseph Church, Manhattan. His faith was number 1, he would often be heard saying, "God is number 1". Paul loved retirement and the simple things in life. He could be found playing PlayStation, fishing, betting on horses, playing fantasy football, watching the Chicago Bears, throwing a game of bean bags as he is the current title holder, Father's Day Bean Bag Champion, listening to Music or simply enjoying a beer and a cigar. Paul was a fun loving husband, father and grandfather, his family was his life, his absence will be felt forever in the hearts of those that loved him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said for Paul on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 West North Street, Manhattan. Inurnment will follow immediately with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, at 11:30 A.M. Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com