Kenneth Sroka, 80, World War Two Veteran

He was born December 24, 1925 in Lorain where he was raised. He has been a resident of Amherst since 1955.

He served in the US Navy during World War II on the U.S.S. Bunker Hill and the U.S.S. LCI 733. He received the Asiatic Theatre Ribbon with seven stars, the Philippine liberation Theatre Ribbon with two stars, and the World War Two Victory Medal. He was employed as an electrician for Doane Electric in Lorain for forty years. He later owned and operated Sroka Electric. He also was a three-decade member of the Amherst City Council where he served as Councilman and Council President. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; a charter member of the Amherst Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #1662, the Amherst Quarterback Club, and served as an Amherst Auxiliary Police Officers in the 1960s. Kenneth was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst and served as a CYOU coach. He loved playing softball and traveling.

Survivors include his sons Robert A. Sroka of Bay Village, John S. Sroka of Worthington, Ohio, K.C. Sroka of Brownhelm Township, Joe and Paul Sroka, both of Amherst; his daughters Sheila Tippie of Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Anita Boatmer of Shakopee, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren, three great grandchildren; and his sister Lillian Triffiletti of Vermillion.

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years Delores Mildred Sroka (nee Sadlowski) on May 19, 2005; by his parents Jacob and Nettie Sroka (nee Hromonski); and by his sister Virginia Moon.

Friends may call Thursday, October 19, 2006, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. Closing prayers will be held Friday, October 20, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church; 200 St. Joseph Drive, Amherst. The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will perform honors. The Rev. Fr. Lawrence Martello, pastor, and Rev. Fr. Joseph Warner, Associate pastor, will celebrate the Mass together. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery, Amherst.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to CHP Medical Foundation/New Life Hospice; 3700 Kolbe Rd., Lorain 44053.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst.