Kenneth W Kucharski

Kenneth William Kucharski, 79 of Petoskey passed away on June 26, 2026 at his home.

Ken was born on December 15, 1946 in Highland Park Michigan, the son of the late Aloysius and Grace (Duncan) Kucharski and was raised Allen Park, MI, graduating from the Allen Park High School and later attended the Gerald R Ford Vocational Center where he received his education in Blacksmithing and being a Fairer. 

In 1965, Ken was drafted into the US Army and served in the Corps of Engineers, receiving his honorable discharge in 1968. 

After returning home, Ken went to work in refrigeration, air conditioning as well as black smith and being a fairer, but later got into steel fabrication and welding, which he did throughout his life as his main career. 

On December 30, 1995, Kenneth married the love of his life, and a woman he initially met in the 7th Grade and began a relationship with after meeting her again at their 30th Year Class Reunion, Meredith Martin-Duclo.  Together they made their home in Petoskey where they enjoyed camping, going to concerts, traveling, and just enjoying life together.  

Ken is survived by his wife, Meredith; 4 children, Eric (Winona) Kucharski, Richard (Dawn) Ham- Kucharski, Lisa Barrera and Lori Cook; 10 grandchildren, Evan, Preston, Trevor, Emily, DJ, Alexis, Isabelle, Elaina, Joshua, Alex, and Cody; 3 great grandchildren, Meredith Ann, William and Allen; 2 siblings, Carol and Fred; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Parent in 2018.

A service celebrating Ken’s life will be held on July 2, 2026 at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church of Petoskey at 11am.   All are welcome to come and celebrate a life well lived.

Those wishing to honor Ken’s memory are asked to make a donation to the Disable American Veterans or the Emmanuel Evangelical Church.

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