- State: Indiana
Kenneth C. “Ken” Woodka, 77, of Mishawaka, IN passed away at 11:27 a.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, IN, following a lengthy illness.
Ken was born on March 11, 1944 to the late Joseph and Anna (Grant) Woodka in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong area resident. He attended St. Matthew Grade School and graduated from St. Joseph High School and Missouri Valley College, playing football at all three schools. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War.
Ken began his sales career at the family-owned business Lock Joint Tube Company in South Bend, IN in 1974, where he later acquired the company. He finished his career working at AK Tube in South Bend, IN, where he was an executive salesman from 2000 – 2005.
On December 14, 2005, he married Judie (Maggart) Hover. He is survived by his wife, Judie Woodka of Mishawaka, IN; his children from his first marriage, Laura Woodka Brown (Jason Thixton) of McCordsville, IN; his son, Kenneth Richard “K.R.” (Kylie) Woodka of South Bend, IN; two step daughters, Teri Lynn (Todd) Parker of South Bend, IN; Sheri Hover of South Bend, IN; a step son, Michael Hover of Granger, IN; four grandchildren, Parker and Aubree Woodka; and Chase and Ayla Thixton; five step grandchildren, Brannon, Coley, and Chase Parker; Grace and Max Hover; one sister, Joan Bossee of Farmington Hills, MI; two brothers, Richard “Dick” (Nancy) Woodka of Colorado; Joe (Mary) Woodka of South Bend, IN and Naples, FL. He was preceded in death by a brother Dennis Woodka and a brother-in-law Joe Bossee.
In 2006 Ken was a recipient of a heart transplant from the University of Chicago.
Ken previously attended St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend. He served as president of the Home Owners Association at Copperfield Condos. He loved to ride his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and participated in the MDA parade every Labor Day. Ken enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events and coaching their teams. He took yearly ski trips with his kids to CO. Ken played handball regularly, enjoyed golfing, spending time on his boat “Luv n Life” in South Haven, MI, driving his Miata, dancing, playing cards, and dominos. He was a great cook and enjoyed trying new recipes. Ken and Judie always looked forward to spending the winters in Florida. He always cherished time with the grandkids.
