Kenneth Charles Bolek, Sr., age 91, of Chardon, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family on November 8, 2023. He was born at the family farm in Munson Twp., to Frank and Molly (nee: Veverka) Bolek on March 25, 1932.  He graduated from Chardon and married Patty Deel in 1953 in Chardon. He was a lifelong Chardon area resident raising his four children in his hometown. 

Ken was a proud veteran of the U.S Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War.  He had also been a Dispatcher for the former Rimes Trucking Company in Chardon.  Ken turned his passionate love and knowledge of baseball into a lifelong coaching career.   A countless number of young men through the years benefited from his experience.  Ken coached Chardon Little League, Travel Ball, at Chardon High School and at Notre-Dame Cathedral Latin; Ken knew that life lessons were learned in Baseball and that discipline and teamwork would serve them well in whatever path they chose.  These same lessons were passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren whom he loved so very much.  On any given summer day, you would find Ken on his riding lawnmower with a child in tow.  His home on South Street is filled with the treasures that brought him the most joy, his Indians, his soldiers, his horses and most precious, his wife of 70 years, Patty.

Ken is survived by his wife Patty; children, Kenneth (Marilynne) Bolek Jr. of Bradenton, FL, Lynn (Geordie) Hallam of Geneva, OH and Shelley Bolek of Galveston, TX; Grandchildren, Lauren Bolek, Danielle Brazis, Deanna Brazis, Brett Brazis; Great Grandchildren, Rowan and Willo Klaue, Ideal Painter, Ryley Tanner, and Brett Brazis.

His parents, son Brett Bolek, and brother Frank Bolek preceded him in death.  

Private family services were held.

The family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Chardon, Ohio. Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com