On Nov. 4, 2015, after a long and courageous battle, our loving father succumbed to complications from diabetes. “He slipped into the arms of our Lord to take him home” while surrounded by his children.

Kenneth Dennis Bohenek was born to John J. and Mary D. Bohenek on April 14, 1944, in Queens, New York. Ken or “Kenny” as he was known to family and friends, was the second oldest of four children. They grew up in Floral Park, New York.

On June 13, 1965, Ken married Mary Lou Hofmann and from that marriage came three children, Kenneth M. Bohenek, Christine Bohenek (Robinson) and Christopher J. Bohenek. They lived for a brief time in Franklin Square, New York, then moved to Deer Park, New York.

Ken owned a plumbing business on Long Island, and then in 1976 made the bold decision to move his family west to Montana. He went on to have a long and successful career as owner of AAA Plumbing and Heating in Missoula from 1976 until his retirement in 2003.  

Family was the centerpiece of Ken’s life. One of the greatest accomplishments in his life was watching his children grow and go on to begin families of their own. He had close relations not only with his children but with their spouses, and soon he was surrounded with grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

In 2000, Dad married Cathy Steele and in 2004 sold his home in Missoula and moved permanently to his other home on Swan Lake. Dad cherished every moment living at the lake. It was his piece of heaven on earth. “Tinkering” in his shop, woodworking and repairing everything imaginable was a favorite pastime and hobby. Everyone knew, if Ken couldn’t fix it, throw it away. His children and grandchildren provided him endless woodworking projects, as well as many things to fix!

Dad’s smile and the twinkle in his eye made a lasting impression on all those he met. He was quick-witted and loved a good joke; his laughter filling the room. Dad was strong, yet gentle and loving with the biggest of hearts. Everyone who met him loved him and he would do anything to help a friend, but family was his strongest of bonds. We are grateful for the lasting memories we have and the lessons dad taught us — to love unconditionally, give generously and live life fully.

 He leaves behind a legacy of  love. He is survived by his wife, Cathy; his sister, Mary, and her husband, Jim; his children, Ken M. Bohenek, Christine Robinson and Cal, and Chris Bohenek and Lynne. He is also survived by grandchildren whom he adored, Grace and Audrey Robinson, Sam and Will Bohenek and Emberleigh Graves.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

The family would like to thank Dad’s doctors and nurses in Kalispell who took such great care of him in his final years.