Kenneth Krol's Obituary
Kenneth “Ken” Krol, age 80, a proud lifelong Lorainite, passed away peacefully on December 9, after a lengthy illness.
He graduated from Lorain High School in 1963, and Cleveland State with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1970. Born with a natural talent for understanding how things worked, Ken built a long and successful career as a mechanical engineer. While pursuing his career at US Steel, he also continued the family business, Krol and Sons, honoring the legacy and work ethic passed down through the generations. After 30 years of service, he retired from US Steel, but Ken being Ken wasn’t ready to “retire”, so he went to work with CMM Construction and Consulting, where he worked another 15 years and received the Distinguished Service Award from CMM, honored for his strength, humility, perseverance, and loyal qualities that defined both his work and his life.
Ken and his beloved wife Carolyn met when they were just teenagers and quickly fell in love-beginning a lifetime partnership built on devotion, laughter, and shared dreams. Together they fulfilled many of those dreams, specially building their beautiful home on Lake Erie. Summers there were filled with fun family gatherings, 4th of July celebrations, and cherished moments that created lifelong memories for their nieces and nephews.
At home, Ken was an amazing father to his son Marc. Together Ken, Carolyn, and Marc enjoyed many adventures-camping, traveling all over the country and world, and in later years spent many months at Marc’s home in Florida. These journeys became treasured stories filled with joy, discovery, and the simple happiness of being together.
His hands were rarely still. Ken had a deep passion for restoring cars, especially Volkswagens, and spent countless hours in his beloved garage, a place that became almost like a second home. His craftsmanship, vast mechanical knowledge, and patient skill inspired everyone who admired the beauty of his work.
Committed to community service, Ken volunteered with the Lions Club for 45 years serving faithfully and generously. He also was a founding member of LEAKOIL, a classic Volkswagen automobile club in Northeastern Ohio, where he shared his love of vintage cars and built many wonderful friendships.
Ken is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years, Carolyn (nee Dembek); his Son, Marc, of Jupiter, Florida; his brother Michael and wife Carolyn of Renton, Washington; and three nieces. He also leaves behind a wonderful support network of in-laws who loved him dearly; Joe and Mary Dembek of Spring Hill, Tennessee; Russ and Suzy Wolfe of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Donna and Jody Clow of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In addition, he is cherished by numerous nieces and nephews who adored him, as well as a large loyal group of friends who were like family. All will miss him greatly.
Ken was preceded in death by his father, Michael; his mother, Mary (nee Gorka); his brother Don; and Don’s wife, Connie.
Ken will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his gentle strength, his great stories, and the deep love he showed to those around him. His legacy lives on in the family and friends he cherished and in the many people whose lives he touched.
The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of Cardinal Home Health Care for the genuine compassion and extraordinary care provided to Ken in his final moments.
Cremation will take place and the family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 17, from 4-7 p.m. at Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral Home in Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 18, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lorain with Father Daniel Divis officiating. Ken’s Catholic faith was a guiding force throughout his life, shaping the kindness, generosity, and compassion he showed to others. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain. Lunch will follow the Mass at the IAV Hall in Lorain. All who knew Ken are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, contributions to the St. Mary’s Food Bank or the Lorain Lions Club are appreciated.
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