Kenneth J. Boyle

Kenneth J. Boyle (Ken), 79, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away on January 25, 2024 at Valparaiso Care & Rehabilitation Center. Ken was born on April 18, 1944, in Gary, IN to John C. Boyle and Jane B. Boyle (nee Simmons). After graduating from high school, Ken studied Elementary Education at Indiana University Northwest. This is where he met the love of his life, Diana L. Pole. Ken and Diana were both taking a recreational class for elementary teachers, and they had to make beanbags as one of the activities. Ken was at a loss and asked Diana for help. They only passed because Diana's mom, Viola, ended up making beanbags for both of them! During his studies, he worked as a fifth grade teacher at St. Joseph the Worker School in Gary IN. After graduating with a BS in Elementary Education from Indiana University in 1972, he decided to spread his wings and moved to Okeechobee, FL for a year and worked as a teacher at Okeechobee Elementary School. In 1973, Ken moved to Elyria, Ohio to care for his elderly Aunt Ruth. While in Elyria, he worked at Elyria Elementary School as a fifth grade teacher. His future wife, Diana, moved away to teach in Beckley, WVA, and Ken realized he might lose her after dating on and off for over six years. Ken then proposed to Diana in November of 1973, and they were married on June 29, 1974 at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Gary, IN. Ken and Diana were blessed with a bouncing baby boy on October 22, 1975, who they named Robert James Boyle. In 1976, the couple moved back to Gary, IN, where they were blessed with their second beloved child, Rebecca Marie Boyle. During that time, Ken was employed with US Steel in Gary, IN and returned to Indiana University Northwest to pursue his Master's Degree. In 1986, he graduated with his Master of Science in Education. He also graduated with a Library Science Degree, which he obtained through a program offered through US Steel. He then began the career that he felt most fulfilled with as The Director of Library Services in the Education Program at Indiana State Prison. He performed this role for 20 years, where Ken was an accomplished librarian at Indiana State Prison, winning several awards including "Librarian of the Year" in 1996, "Outstanding Efforts in the Education Program at Indiana State Prison" in 2000, "In Recognition of Outstanding Contributions and Dedication to the Education of the Men at Indiana State Prison" in 2004, and "In Appreciation of 20 Years of Dedicated Service to the Offenders at Indiana State Prison." He was a unique and special man who connected with his librarian clerks in meaningful ways and helped many of them accomplish lifetime educational goals, until he retired In 2010. Ken was a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend. Ken's greatest roles were as a Husband, Father, and Grandpa. He fulfilled his role as a husband "in sickness and in health" by caring for Diana for two years throughout her 40+ hospitalizations and recovery. He stayed by her side "for better or worse" even driving her to Minnesota's Mayo Clinic for the very best care . He loved his two children and supported them in every way from sports, to education, car shopping, "Dad advice", Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Guides and more. He taught his children to be strong, independent, and smart. His last major role was as a Grandpa. He adored his grandkids, supported and encouraged them in their educational and extracurricular activities, and even taught them how to drive. Besides all these hats that Ken wore, he was an avid model train collector and belonged to several model railroad clubs. He loved to listen to Celtic Thunder, The Carpenters, Elvis Presley, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, and Air Supply. He loved the characters "Garfield" "The Three Stooges", cats, coffee, Diet Pepsi, peanut butter, and chocolate Cokes. Ken enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like going to plays with Diana at Memorial Opera House, looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhoods, going on family vacations, studying UFOs, attending concerts and going to the movie theater. Ken belonged to St. Bridget Catholic Church in Hobart, IN. One of his most distinguished accomplishments was becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ken was preceded in death by his father, John C. Boyle, his mother, Jane B. Boyle (nee Simmons), Brothers, Gareth Boyle and Richard Boyle, and son, Robert James Boyle. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diana L. Boyle (nee Pole), his sister, Carole M. Boyle, daughter, Rebecca M. Pope (nee Boyle), grandchildren, Derrik S. Pope, Melissa A. Pope, and Kaden L. Pope, and many cousins and friends. Visitation services will be held at Burns Funeral Home 701 East 7th Street Hobart, IN on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 4 pm - 7 pm. A Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will start at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will take place at St. Bridget Catholic Church 107 Main Street Hobart, IN Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 10 am. We would appreciate anyone planning to attend the Funeral Mass to consider being a Pall Bearer for the service. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Kenneth J. Boyle

April 18, 1944 - January 25, 2024