Kenneth F. Hohalek, 74, of Mill Creek, Ind., passed away Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born March 6, 1947, in La Porte, Ind., the son of Leo and Cecile (Dynda) Hohalek.
A lifelong resident of the area, Kenneth graduated from New Prairie High School before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired from CSX Transportation, a welder by trade. But he also was a farmer, growing crops such as corn and beans, and a “Jack of all trades,” helping anyone who asked. An avid outdoorsman, Kenneth was a private pilot, had two fishing boats and was very excited when he got his lifetime fishing license. He loved feeding and watching his cardinals and hummingbirds, growing all kinds of flowers, playing Nintendo DS with his kids and riding on his son’s golf cart, which “he should have bought a long time ago.”
On May 16, 1970, at Fish Lake Catholic Church, Kenneth married his wife of 51 years, Virginia Tanksley Hohalek, who survives.
He is also survived by his son, Lawrence J. (Jamie) Hohalek of La Porte; three daughters, Christine (Kevin) McNeil of Rocklin, Calif., Cynthia (Timothy) Hohalek-Jergens of Tipp City, Oh., and Patricia S. (Jason) Vickers of Walkerton, Ind.; six grandchildren, Kaitlyn Jergens, Isabella Vickers, Dalton Hohalek, Dylan Hohalek, Destiny Vickers, and Skye Vickers; and five great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends for viewing at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, La Porte, on Tuesday, Aug. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. with Chaplain David Howe, Comfort 1 Hospice, officiating. Military Honors will be presented. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
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