On Monday, February 1, 2021 Thaddeus Kucab of Sterling Heights, Michigan passed away at the age 79 surrounded by his loving wife and children after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Thaddeus, “Ted” or “Bud” as he was often called, was born on June 12, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Thaddeus Kucab and Mary (Grandys) Kucab. 

Ted is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen-Lynn (Case) Kucab; children Dawn (Jeff) Bradley; Theresa (Andy) Monks; Allan (Amy Hepper) Kucab; Phillip (Kory Stamper) Kucab; daughter-in-law, Pamela Kucab; step-daughters Stacey (Bill Hulet) Neece-Hulet and Cristy (Pete) O’Toole; siblings MaryAnn (Gary) Ludwig; Thomas (Claudia) Kucab; A. Robert (Ruth) Kucab; Edward (Maria) Kucab; 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in death by his son, Christopher Kucab.

Ted grew up on the east side of Detroit and was the oldest of 5 siblings.  He attended Guardian Angels Catholic School and Notre Dame High School, graduating in 1959.  From modest beginnings, whether a grocery bagger, bank teller, or warehouse manager, people loved working with him and for him.  He was never afraid to get his hands dirty and mastered the art of leading by example at an early age.   He never expected anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself.  This work ethic was apparent throughout Ted’s life extending well beyond his jobs. 

Ted enjoyed playing cards, fishing, wood working, cooking and golfing.  He taught his children to play the best hand they could with the cards they were dealt.  A fisherman himself, he taught his children to fish.  A woodworker and jack of all trades, he taught them to select the right tools for the job.  He was also the consummate chef—Polish sausage, ribs and breaded pork chops were some of his specialties.  With his partner always by his side, Bud and Karen could be depended upon for a great spread at any party. 

In his retirement, he devoted his time to his family, rarely missing a grandchild’s birthday, baptism, sports game or family event.  He was the mortar holding all the bricks together. He enjoyed volunteering his time at St. Michael Catholic Church by decorating, gardening, coordinating and cooking meals for MCREST. One of the highlights of this past year was achieving the title of “Sir Knight,” a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus fraternal organization.