On March 8, 2021, Kenneth John Kalishek, age 78 of Memphis, TN, passed away at the Memphis VA Hospital where he received exceptional care. Formerly of Gladstone, Michigan, Ken was a loving husband and father of four children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Kenneth was born in Gladstone, Michigan to Clifford and Georgina “Toots” Kalishek. On January 15, 1966 he married Janet DuRoy. Together they raised one son and three daughters.
He began his career serving four years in the Navy as a machinest, then continued at Eaton Corp for 18 years where he became a foreman. He then moved to Memphis and was an electrician for 14 years at the Millington Naval Air Station. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling the country with Janet, woodworking in his shop and spending time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his father Clifford, his mother Georgina, his brothers Jim and Mike and his sisters Pat (Alworden) and Kathy (Seronko). He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet, his brothers Bud and Gary Kalishek and Dan Russell, as well as his sisters Maxine (Vallier) and Cheryl (Bernard). His four children, John “JP” Kalishek of Menominee, MI, Shelly (husband Tim) Townzen of Burleson, TX, Amy (husband Tom) Noma of Atlanta, GA, and Renee Kalishek of Memphis, TN. Also his grandsons Ryan and Reid Pelon, Aidan Moreland and great grandkids Oliver and Emery.
With respect to Kenneth's wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. If you wish to honor Ken's 50 year continuous membership of the Disabled American Veterans, please donate to the DAV. - (Updated) A memorial celebration of his life was held on July 6, 2021 with family laying him to rest at Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone, MI.