Jeffrey Allen Bykowski

Jeffrey Allen Bykowski, age 80, of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.

Born on September 28, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, Jeff was a proud graduate of Toledo Central Catholic High School. He was a true entrepreneur and spirited creative force who owned and operated the Last Exit Boutique in both Toledo and Put-in-Bay, spaces that reflected his unique character and passion for music, history, and community.

Jeff was the longtime coin-operated machine technician for Mutual Music in Toledo, specializing in jukeboxes, pinball machines, and mechanical and vintage arcade games, a job that perfectly blended his love for tinkering, creativity, and entertainment. He was also the original drummer for the beloved local band Ben Dover & The Screamers. First known as the “Warsaw Warrior” for his relentless drive and energy on the drum kit, he helped catapult Ben Dover to the forefront of a new era of live music at Put-in-Bay, headlining at the Round House, Beer Barrel, and Boat House in the late 70s and 80s.

In the winter months, he was an avid ice guide and fisherman and was affectionately known as the “Walleye Warrior” both on the ice and well beyond his days with the band. He loved sharing his passion for Lake Erie’s winter season with friends old and new. He was also a gifted storyteller, an unofficial historian of Put-in-Bay, and a dedicated collector of island postcards and memorabilia. His deep knowledge of local lore and collection of historic images, particularly the Hotel Victory, was shared often on social media and in conversations that brought the past to life.

Jeff was a devoted fan of both The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and he found great joy in woodworking and crafting with his hands. With lifelong curiosity and interest, he gravitated toward the human stories and cultural forces behind America’s major conflicts, from the Civil War, World Wars I & II, through Vietnam, seeking to understand how each shaped the nation, its music, and its people. The same curiosity and generosity of spirit also inspired his love for everything connected to his beloved island home.

He is survived by his soulmate and best friend, Karen Klein of Put-in-Bay and Delaware, Ohio; his children, Benjamin (Christy) Bykowski of Avon, Ohio, and Crystal (Nick) Jurkiewicz of Ottawa Lake, Michigan; and his adored grandchildren, Bodhi, Beckmin, and Boone Bykowski, and Olivia and Emma Jurkiewicz. He also leaves behind his brother, David (Janice) Bykowski of Toledo; sister, Jo Anne Bykowski of Put-in-Bay; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal canine companion, Kaydee.

Visitation will be held at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, 216 Washington Street, Port Clinton, Ohio, on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5-8 pm. A Memorial Mass will be held at Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 620 Catawba Avenue, Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on August 2nd, 2025, at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to either of the causes close to Jeff’s heart:

1. Lake Erie Islands Historical Society (Put-in-Bay Historical Society)

PO Box 25, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Donations or memorial gifts can also be arranged through the Society’s website, leihs.org, under the Membership and Donations section.

2. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087

Online gifts may be made at LLS.org/Donate or by phone at (888) 557-7177.

Thank you for honoring Jeff’s memory by supporting the fight against blood cancers or helping preserve the history of the island he loved.

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