Kevin James Karolak

 Kevin Karolak, beloved son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend, died suddenly early Sunday morning at his home in Algonac, Michigan.

He is survived by his father, Derick (Breanna) Karolak; his mother, Courtney Karolak (fiancé Stephen Hollywood); his sisters, Lillian, Riley, and Ava; grandparents Doug and Abbie Kiser; grandmother Diana Karolak; aunts Julie (Shane) Davoll, Jackie Kiser, Lori (Rob) Aton, and Kristen Saul; uncle Jamie Kiser; nephew Jaxon Karolak; and countless cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers Ingeborg Karolak and Donna Schell; grandfathers Sigmund Karolak and Mark Saul; aunt Latricia Karolak; and his beloved dog, Cody.

Kevin had many nicknames; Kev, KevDog, Kevy, Lil Kev, and each one reflected a unique and special connection he had with the people who loved him. The bond he shared with his sisters was especially strong. He would have done anything for them… except, of course, stop teasing and annoying them, which was part of how he showed his love.

Kevin was a sophomore at Algonac Jr./Sr. High School, though many will joke that he wasn’t always spotted in first hour; he was notorious for oversleeping. During his years in the district, he tried nearly every sport, usually with his dad coaching right alongside him. From soccer and football to wrestling, he eventually discovered his true passion in the Algonac Trap Rats.

His love for the stage began in the Algonac Drama Club, where at just six years old he stole the show as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. What was supposed to be a quiet role as a puppy turned into an unforgettable performance; panting, “licking” his paws, and even pretending to lift his leg on stage. From that moment, it was clear Kevin was a born entertainer.

Music was another gift he shared. If you were lucky enough to hear him sing, you knew how special it was. His passion for music was matched only by his eclectic tastes. He could listen to music with anyone.

Kevin loved the outdoors; riding his e-bike, dirt bike, and go-kart, fishing, boating, tubing, and proudly taking his nephew out for his very first tube ride. He was just as enthusiastic about video games, often staying up late to play with friends near and far.

Kevin will be remembered for his rare but radiant smile, his quick wit, his kindness, and the way he gave love freely to everyone around him. He never met a stranger and had inherited the “gift of gab” from his father, making him easy to talk to and impossible to forget.

Please honor Kevin’s memory by taking care of one another the way he always would have wanted. Check in on each other. And if you see his sisters, make sure to annoy them, because that’s exactly what he would do (but keep an eye on them too please).

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 3–8 p.m. at the Pearl Beach Lions Club, 9590 Phelps Rd, Clay Township, MI 48001, with a brief service at 6:30pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s name to the YMCA Storer Camps Campership Fund, a place that helped shape the young man he was becoming. https://www.ymcatoledo.org/storer-donate-here/