Kenneth Hollstrom

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Kenneth John Hollstrom, age 99, on January 27, 2025, he was surrounded by his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, well-regarded by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ken was born on August 19, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois, to Vernon and Thelma Hollstrom. He grew up in Chicago and later attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Ken was also a proud Gopher on the university's hockey team.

Ken served honorably in the U.S. Navy as a Radarman, Third Class, during World War II from February 18, 1944, to April 20, 1946. After his service in the Navy, he returned to Chicago, where he met his future wife, Jeanette Difanis, and they were married on October 17, 1953.

Ken had a distinguished career as a sales engineer, earning widespread recognition for his exceptional sales achievements before retiring in 1993. He was deeply respected and admired by his colleagues and peers. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ken was known for his unwavering presence, dependability, and the rich, resonant voice he contributed to the St. Peters & All Saints Episcopal church choir. Later in his life as walking became more difficult, he would not process out with the choir, however staying seated in the choir loft, he took immense pride in prompting the acolyte’s start of the recession, waiting until the entire choir was all lined up. Among his passions were restoring his 1930 Model A, woodworking, and building a garden railroad. 

Ken was Master Mason of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for 65 years, as well as service for 64 years to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Finally, he Ken was a proud member of the Ararat Shrine Temple in Kansas City for 62 years, and an active member of the Ararat Shrine Antique Auto Club. 

A devoted husband and father, Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Thelma Hollstrom, his brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Renee Hollstrom, and his son, Kenneth John Hollstrom Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Jeanette; his four daughters, Karen (John) Mosher, Kirsten Hollstrom, Kristine (Mark) Mamaghani, and Kendra (Jim) Perkins; and his adored six grandchildren, Kyla Hollstrom, Johnathon Mosher, Tristan (Sophia) Perkins, Ayden Mamaghani, and Alton Mamaghani. 

Please join us in celebrating Ken’s remarkable Life on Saturday, March 22, 2025, the visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. His Celebration of Life begins at 11:00 AM, both will be held at St. Peters & All Saints Episcopal Church, 100 East Red Bridge Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Following his Celebration of Life, a funeral procession will depart for Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8250 Hillcrest Road Kansas City, Missouri, where the Committal service and interment with military honors will take place.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenneth John Hollstrom’s memory to Kansas City Hospice kchospice.org/donate or the Macular Degeneration Research.

Ken will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever be cherished, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.