Karl T. Kalivoda

Karl T. Kalivoda, age 90, of Lorain, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on August 31, 2021 at Mercy New Life Hospice, Lorain, after being able to spend a wonderful day surrounded by his family. He was so happy and proud that he was able to celebrate his 90th birthday just 3 short weeks ago.

Karl was born in Uniontown, PA on August 9, 1931 to John & Mary Kalivoda. When he was 10 years old, his mother passed away and he was welcomed into the home of his sister and brotherin-law, Phyllis & Stanley Raymond. In 1946, they moved to Lorain where Karl graduated from Lorain High School, class of 1949B.

Karl was an Air Force Veteran, serving from 1951-1955. He was stationed in Charleston, SC and Japan. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Senior Airman, E4.

He married Jean Mazzoni on May 12, 1956 and they were happily married for 58 years. After Jean passed away, he was able to reconnect with Marcie Downie, whom he knew in high school.

Karl worked at Freuhauf Corp and then Columbia Gas of Ohio, where in 1993 he retired from after 34 years as an area plant supervisor. Karl made many friends at Columbia Gas and had many fond memories of his years there. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church and also enjoyed attending Mass at St. Anthony’s, both in Lorain.

Karl was always up for an adventure and loved to travel. He had many interests and was the best handyman…he could build, fix, and repair anything and was always happy to help. He enjoyed woodworking in his home workshop where he would make many beautiful wood crafts for his family and friends. Karl loved a neat, well-manicured lawn and planted flowers every year so that his house would look beautiful, and it always did! He truly excelled at everything. Most of all, he was the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend that we could ever ask for. Thanks for always being there dad!

He is survived by his children, Michael (Beverly) Kalivoda, Amherst, and Joyce (David) Presutto, Vermilion, his grandchildren, Angela Presutto, Jill (Branden) Langhals, Amanda (Neil) Kreinbrink, and Adam Kalivoda, his great grandsons, Archer Langhals and Levi Kreinbrink, and his companion, Marcie Downie. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Karl was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, his parents, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers.

The family wishes to thank Dr. George Bescak for all of the excellent care and friendship that he always provided to their father. The family also thanks the doctors and nurses who cared for him during his final days.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 3, 2021, from 4 -8 pm, in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. (Masks are required) Prayers will be held on Saturday, at 9:00 am, also in the funeral center. His Mass of Christian burial will follow at 9:30 am at the Catholic Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH, 44053. The Rev. Fr. Craig Hovanec, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.

Contributions, in Karl’s memory, may be made to the Church of St. Peter’s Capitol Improvement Fund, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain, OH, 44053.

To send an online condolence, please go to www. dovinreberjones.com.