Nadzieja, Fred R.

Fred R. Nadzieja, age 87 of Gold Canyon, AZ formerly of Dodgeville, WI and Coloma WI, passed away February 5, 2026 at Honor Health Hospital in Mesa AZ.

He was born February 17, 1938 in Chicago IL to Fred and Violet ( Bohlman ) Nadzieja. Fred attended Edgebrook Elementary School and graduated from William H. Taft High School in 1956. Fred went on to graduate from the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign, IL in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Fred had fond memories of Chicago and his school friends.

After graduation from college he served in the United States Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal ( CVA59 ) and later stationed at the Naval Air Station, Norfolk VA. Upon his release from the U.S. Navy, he went to work for Allstate Insurance in Chicago, IL for eight years before accepting employment to build homes in Coloma, WI. Shortly thereafter he began work at Merrill Lynch as an Account Executive selling securities in Chicago, IL. This was not to his liking and he moved back to Coloma, WI ( 1973 ) to work at the M&I Peoples Bank as a Loan Officer.

Fred wanted to advance his banking career and in 1985 was given the opportunity to accept the bank presidency at the newly formed M&I Bank of Dodgeville, formerly Strong’s Bank. He continued his banking career in Dodgeville until his retirement in 2006, serving 33 years with the M&I Banking system.

On April 7, 1995, Fred married Carla Schroeder in Dodgeville. They met on a blind date. It was that first date that sparked an eternal flame. Together was their favorite place to be. He and his wife Carla had many adventures in their travels. Vacationing in the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and the Canadian Rockies. Fred and Carla loved hiking the National Parks, the Arizona desert and mountains. He loved scuba diving, fishing, hunting and flying. Fred also had the pleasure of spending a week with an M&I co-worker sailing around the Virgin Islands aboard the 50’ sailboat “ La Creole “, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Fred loved his three sons, Mike, Mark and Mathew. He was a good and loving father to his children. They were always in his thoughts.

Fred is survived by his wife Carla, his sons Mike, Mark, and Mathew, two brothers Ronald (Judy) and Richard (Sandy), four grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Fred’s life was a testament to optimism, courage and love. Fred loved life to the fullest and his sense of humor and genuine positivity influenced everyone around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME, 400 E. Grace St., Dodgeville, WI. There will be a short remembrance service starting at 4:00 p.m.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com