Kenneth J. Lewis

Kenneth J. Lewis, 95, passed away peacefully in his West Toledo home on April 8, 2025. He was blessed to spend the previous few months saying good-bye to his four daughters, seven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren—as well as watching his beloved Steelers beat the Browns one final time.

Ken was born in Pittsburgh to Thomas and Helen Lewis and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Brandt. Their wedding took place when Ken was on leave from his U.S. Army service before his deployment in the Korean War for 18 months as a radio operator in Japan. Several years after returning stateside, he and Dorothy moved to Toledo for a job opportunity and settled in the neighborhood near Blessed Sacrament parish.

Ken spent his career as supervisor of a national trucking company terminal, then “retired” to a 17-year job transporting nuclear medicine for a major health care provider. He was an active volunteer for renovation projects at Blessed Sacrament and participated in its gold and bowling league. Ken will be remembered by his family as a kind, warm, patient, and supportive father, as well as a late-in-life chef and prolific baker.

If he wasn’t serving as our on-call handyman or free Uber driver, he would be working on a jigsaw puzzle, tending the garden or sneaking some ice cream directly from the container. He loved all sports, especially Women’s basketball. Cheering on his extended family in their activities gave him the greatest pleasure. Known in the family as the “baby whisperer”, a fussy child settled when held in his arms. Older grandchildren remember that “Pap-pap” was ready to charm them with a warm smile and a butterscotch candy he always carried in his pants pocket. Family and friends recall his sense of humor, love of cards and table games, and willingness to help others.

Twenty-seven years ago, Ken and Dorothy moved into their “retirement” home in West Toledo. Although Dorothy predeceased him in 2021, Ken continued to enjoy numerous visits from their family until the day he died. He is survived by his four daughters: Sandra (Mark) Luetke, Debra (Nick) Koltoniak, Laura Lewis and Barbara (Mike) Pinkelman; grandchildren, Trinity (David) Gawron, Molly Luetke, Emily (Aaron) Sapp, Aaron (Megan) Pinkelman, Allison (Andy) Livingston, Elizabeth (Justin) Rodak, and Andrew Extejt, as well as 14 great-grandchildren: Sophia, Maggie and Silas Gawron; Althea, Julian and Griffin Sapp; Jane and Bennett Pinkleman; Ivy, Oaklen, Ember and Aurora Rodak; and Juliette and Elowyn Livingston.

The family wishes to express special appreciation for the consistent care Ken received from caregiver Lynn, Hospice nurse Jeanine, aide Anna, and volunteer card player Mike.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, beginning at 9 am at Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43607, until the time of Mass at 10 am. In lieu of gifts of food or flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road / Perrysburg, OH 43551 or a charity of your choice.