Kenneth M. Jatczak

Kenneth M. Jatczak, 71, of St. Joseph passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, after a valiant battle with ALS. His bravery and sense of humor where hallmarks of his journey that provided peace for all those who walked such a hard journey with him.

Kenneth was born on June 29, 1953, in Chicago to Stanley and Alfreda (Dziubczynski) Jatczak. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School. He attended University of Illinois Chicago.

On May 22, 1982, Kenneth married Lynnette Wadolny and were blessed to have 42 years of marriage. They were also blessed with three children: Jason Jatczak of Lisle, Ill., Matthew and his wife Kelsey Jatczak of Woodridge, Ill., Jenna and her husband Seth Bolthouse of Ypsilanti, Mich., and three wonderful grandchildren: Remy and Luca Jatczak and Peyton Bolthouse.

Ken started his career in an entry level position delivering computer cards for a Chicago company while attending college. He ended his career as the CIO for BBB Enterprises in Mobile, Ala. His career took him to Saudi Arabia as well as several European countries. One of the common themes that defined him in his career was his role as a mentor to his colleagues. That theme also defined him as a father to his three children and as a mentor to his niece and nephews as well as to friends of his children. In Ken's heart, he was a caregiver taking in family and friends when they needed help. He helped make a difference in many people's lives.

When Ken's kids were young, he showed them the importance of volunteering by taking them to help set up nightly housing for homeless people through the PADS organization of DuPage County, Ill. He, with Lynnette, taught religious education to junior high students through St. Margaret Mary Church in Lisle. He serviced on several committees and was on the board of directors at the Children's Advocacy Center in Chicago, at the Baldwin County Children's Advocacy Center in Alabama and at the Southwest Michigan Children's Advocacy Center in St. Joseph.

Ken loved sports and that meant almost every sport, whether watching his kids play sports, or watching college and professional sports. A warning was given to all watching sports with Ken that there would be yelling at the TV and possible throwing of whatever team gear he was wearing if the team's performance did not meet his expectations.

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care of Southwest Michigan and Private Duty Home Health Care. Anna, Charsie, Nancy, Rispah, Olivia and Sue were the angels that walked this journey with us.

In addition to being survived by his wife and children, Kenneth is survived by his siblings: Therese and her husband Mark Petersen and Tom Jatczak. Also, by sister-in-law, Donnette and her husband, Dan Begian; nephews: Bradley and his wife Taryn Lambrechts, Benjamin and his wife Karean Lambrechts, Lucas and his wife Kristin Giolas and niece, Deanna Giolas.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Stanley and Alfreda and sister-in-law, Sharon Jatczak.

A celebration of life service will be held from 4-6 p.m. at Union Social in St. Joseph on Saturday, April 5, with drinks and snacks to follow. We request that no flowers be sent. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Michigan Children's Advocacy Center. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks -menchinger.com.