Kenneth Joseph Kavalchek (July 24, 1935 - February 4, 2025) passed away peacefully at 89 years old. Beloved husband of 39 years to Betty A. Kavalchek who preceded him in death. Beloved father to Lara (Steve) Ratliff and Kenneth (Melanie) Kavalchek. Adored Grandpa to Mercedes (Paul) Parks, Kenneth Kavalchek, Alizabeth Ratliff, Gyllian (Matt) Oakes, Zachary Ratliff, and Cameron Ratliff. Ken retired from Cleveland Cliffs. Nothing was as important to him as being closely connected to his family. While he could be a bit grouchy, his family always came first. His personality was as big as his heart, he never met a stranger, everyone became his friend. He always had a story to tell or words of wisdom to share.

Ken was a car guy. It was his lifelong passion. He was incredibly proud to have owned his 1956 Corvette for nearly 70 years, which he drove for almost 100,000 miles. He was a founding member of Corvette Cleveland and a charter member of the National Corvette Museum. He was also a proud National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) member. Ken and his car were in several magazines and articles over the years. Ken could be found at many of the local car shows where "Cora" was often a trophy winner. Ken and his son Ken even drove it out to some of the National Shows, where he received multiple "Top Flight" awards. His 'Vette wasn't the only thing he loved about the 50's. He was an avid fan of the music, especially anything by Elvis and we have a whole jukebox filled with 50's music to prove it. In his spare time, Ken was a Lionel train collector as well. He was a sports fan, he loved the Browns, the "Indians", the Cavs, and The Ohio State. He loved to travel, from Hawaii to the many family cruises, he enjoyed seeing new places. He was a Past Master of Theodore Breck Lodge and a 32° Mason of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Cleveland, which he joined with his grandson Zach.

Ken was a longtime supporter of both Shriners Hospital for Children, as well as St. Jude. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken's memory may be made to either: Shriners Children's Ohio, Attn: Office of Philanthropy, One Children's Plaza – 2 West, Dayton, OH 45404 or to St Jude, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N Court Street, Medina, OH 44256.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.waitefuneralhome.com.