Kenneth Thomas Uylaki

Kenneth Thomas Uylaki, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. He is survived by his unconditionally loving wife, Gloria Darlene Uylaki; children, Vanessa (Curt) Wagner, Kenny (Susie) Uylaki, Cheryl (Josh) Uylaki-Miles; grandchildren Kaitlyn Uylaki and Evelyn Miles; brother Jack Uylaki; many, many nieces and nephews; dear friends; and feline fur-children.

Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Mary Uylaki and brothers, Richard, James, Joe, George, Robert, Ronnie, and sister Shirley.

Ken was born on February 5, 1951, graduated from Hammond Tech in 1969. He proudly served in the US Army during the Vietnam War as a Medical Technician. On April 16, 1983, he married the love of his life, Darlene, and together they built and displayed a humbling example of modern day real life love.

Ken was a diamond in the rough. His light and passion for life exuded by his strengths, a true loyalist to God, family, and our country. His greatest strengths were his work ethic, mental toughness, and deep empathy. Whether it was offering an ice cream, cracking a joke, a tow, $40, lending an ear for friends, airport pickups for his kids, or a random phone call at just the right time. Above all, he ALWAYS showed up.

Anyone could learn from him. As a family, our favorite sayings are; “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going” and “One man's trash is another man's treasure.”

Ken was many things to people all over Northwest Indiana. He was known for doing a good deed a day and never knowing a stranger. To say he will be missed is an understatement. His impact will be felt for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation or a local veteran foundation of your choice.
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate

Visitation will be Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm with a Funeral Service at 4:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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