Ken Gradwohl

(From Parker Mortuary)

Kenneth Edward Gradwohl, age 55, of Joplin, passed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at his home with family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ken was born August 6, 1968 in Kansas City, MO. He was the youngest child of John Gradwohl and Marceil (Burry) Gradwohl. He grew up in Roeland Park, KS and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. He attended Pittsburg State University for 3 years studying automotive technology. He married Kim (Simmons) Gradwohl on July 14, 1990.

Ken worked 10 years for Walmart in their automotive department as a department manager. He then worked for Autozone as a commercial parts sales manager for several years. More recently he worked as a route salesman for Schwans for nearly 8 years. He then delivered Amazon packages for Ridgewood Logistics until he became ill.

Ken enjoyed working on cars in his free time. He saved the family thousands by being able to service their cars and repair nearly anything that needed fixing. He also restored a 1968 Mustang and a 1965 Chevy Corvair. Ken also enjoyed camping over the years and was very good at cooking over a campfire. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed fellowshipping with the men’s’ group from Christ Community Church. Ken and his family have attended Christ Community Church for 20 years and call that church home. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his father John Gradwohl.

 

Survivors include his wife Kim Gradwohl of Joplin, son Kyle Gradwohl and wife Sabrina Draves of Joplin, daughter Katie Ellison and husband Matthew of Springfield, son Korey Gradwohl of Joplin; grandchildren Atticus Draves and twins Owen and Liam Gradwohl; his mother Marceil Gradwohl of Lenexa, KS, brother Steve Gradwohl and wife Karen of Lenexa, KS, sister Cheryl Brown of Roeland Park, KS, sister Kathy Dice and husband Jim of Branson, MO, sister Laura Sysel of Dorchester, NE, and sister Andréa Cassutt of Santa Fe, NM.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the Christ’s Community Church with Pastor Chris Sloan officiating. Inurnment will follow at Christ’s Community Columbarium.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.