Kenneth Dennis Bohenek

On Wednesday, 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.

Dad worked as a plumber in New York Local 2 for many years alongside his brother Jack and their father until his retirement. They worked primarily in Manhattan and later on Long Island. The stories that were told from those years working together were endless and the time they spent together formed fond memories. Dad opened his first plumbing business on Long Island and then in 1976 he made a bold decision to move the family west to Missoula where his older brother Jack had purchased a business, AAA Plumbing & Heating. Dad worked alongside his brother once again and developed the business to be one of the largest and most successful in the area. Then, in 1979 they moved their parents and sisters to Missoula as well. In 1980 dad bought the business from Jack. Dad, with his sister Mary, ran the business and acquired an impeccable reputation and built many long lasting relationships with customers and friends. The bond with his sister and years working together brought them even closer. Eventually his oldest son, Ken, began working alongside him and learned the trade. In 2003 he sold the business to his son who operated it until he sold it in 2012.

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 (Cal) and Chris Bohenek (Lynne). He is also survived by grandchildren whom he adored, Grace and Audrey Robinson, Sam and Will Bohenek and Emberleigh Graves; nephew John Gitto and family; niece Caryn Bohenek and her husband Greg and countless friends and family from back east to Montana.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Bohenek and his siblings, John K. Bohenek and Karen Gitto.

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

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to Crossroads Christian Fellowship, Victor.

We carry on these words from our dad: "Be kind to one another." We love you, Dad!


Read Kenneth Bohenek's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.