Kenneth J. Karlak, Sr., 77, of Collinsville, IL, born March 30, 1948, in East St. Louis, IL, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken dedicated much of his life to hard work and craftsmanship, spending 20 years at Hunter Meat Packing before retiring. He then worked at Granite City Steel for another 20 years as a skilled millwright. Ken was a true outdoorsman. He spent his spare time fishing, hunting, and crafting fishing jigs. Many of those jigs were gifted to multiple friends he had over the years, as well as any person he may meet that was a fisherman like himself. He provided himself on his ability to fix anything, earning him the title of "Superman" to his family and friends. There was nothing he wouldn't attempt to build, fix, or make by hand.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Stella (née Kocot) Karlak.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Diana (née Nesbit) Karlak, whom he married on November 25, 1967; his son, Kenneth Jr. (Catherine) Karlak; two cherished grandchildren, Deborah (Josh) Kovach and Leo Karlak; and his sister, Sylvia Karsten.

A memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Ron Habermehl. Inurnment will take place at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Metro East Humane Society and will be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.