Michael J. Kardoes

Lt. Col. (USAF, ret.) Michael J. Kardoes, 50, of Livingston, Montana, died on June 3, 2022.

Michael, son of Oliver and Lanita Kardoes, was born in Buffalo Center, Iowa.  He grew up on a farm north of Titonka and graduated from North Iowa High School.  He attended the United States Air Force Academy, graduated with a BS in computer science, entered pilot training, and received his pilot wings.

He married Nicole Kardoes. Michael was active-duty Air Force for 23 years where he was an UH-1 “Huey” pilot.  Notable assignments included squadron commander at Malmstrom AFB, legislative liaison in Washington DC, and deputy group commander in Afghanistan.  Michael received a bronze star for heroic achievement and service in Afghanistan. After his military retirement Michael switched careers and became city manager of Livingston, Montana, in 2017. Michael had three master’s degrees.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Nicole Kardoes; his six children, Ryan, Jillian, Rebecca, Linda, John, and Monta; his parents, Oliver and Lanita Kardoes; his siblings Anthony (Shelly) Kardoes and Tamara (John) Crookshank; and his two nephews, three nieces, and their spouses and children.

A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Friday, June 10, at Livingston Christian Center, Livingston, Montana.  A memorial and interment service will be held in the future at USAFA in Colorado Springs.  A fund has been established in honor of Michael Kardoes to support the Kardoes family to help them get through this unexpected tragedy. Michael leaves behind a loving wife and six children. Follow this link to provide your support: https://livingstonchristiancenter.churchcenter.com/giving. On the Giving page, use the dropdown menu to select “Michael Kardoes Memorial”. All funds will go directly to the family.