Lawrence "Larry" Kuk

Lawrence (Larry), Kuk age 96 passed away on October 26, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Grace Kuk (Pace) for 71 years. Larry was born on April 10, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was loved by so many. Loving father of 3 children, son Lawrence J. Kuk Jr, daughter, Kathy Marie Sumer (Tom) and son Tommy Victor Kuk. Cherished Grandfather of Jennifer Marie Copeland, Jackie Ann Kuk, Sarah Jean Sofia (Nick) and Tommy Matthew Sumer. Great Grandfather to Addison Margaret Copeland, Isabelle Grace Copeland, Tyler William Sofia, Owen Lawrence Sofia and Jackson Taylor Sumer. Larry also had many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed spending time with. His relatives, the Svec Families, were also a big part in Larry’s life. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Kukucka, loving wife Grace and cherished Granddaughter Jennifer Marie Copeland. Larry worked at different locations including White Motors and Meyer Snowplow. He also drove a taxi cab and ended his work career at Morrison Products. Larry was an avid artist, he loved drawing every chance he could. Always trying to teach us kids how to draw especially for school projects. He loved to do yardwork, growing a beautiful garden every year and taking care of the fig tree that was from Italy. Each year he built a larger size box to cover and protect the tree from the harsh winter weather. He made a point of visiting his kids in the summertime just to help with planting and taking care of their garden. He was especially proud of what he grew and always loved sharing the tomatoes, peppers and whatever the big crop was that year. He had grape vines in the back yard, every year we canned the most delicious grape juice which lasted until the following year. The Cleveland sports teams were one of his passions. Starting with going to see Cleveland Barons Hockey and his favorite all time Cleveland Indians. He loved to attend all the kid’s events, especially when sports were involved. One of Larry’s favorite times was when he played High School Baseball for Benedictine High. He then went on to play for the Cleveland Indians Pony League in 1948 out of Batavia, New York. He had nothing but smiles the way he told the many stories about playing for the Indians. Larry LOVED taking pictures of everything from vacations, family get-togethers (especially Monroe Falls and Tappan Lake) and the squirrels in the backyard he just finished feeding. All the photos were then made into slides which were put in the projector he was so proud of. We were forever watching the slide show on the screen, especially on the holidays when the family was all together. He really enjoyed entertaining everyone and was so proud of his work. Travel was another passion of his. He loved traveling with his wife Grace, and his 3 kids every year to Niagara Falls. He and Grace also loved visiting Mackinac Island and Frankenmuth, Michigan. The all year round Christmas Store was a favorite and ornaments were always purchased with every visit. It had to be the best looking Christmas tree in the neighborhood. Christmas time was always very special at the Kuk household. He used to go outside in the snow Christmas morning and draw sleigh tracks on the sidewalk right outside the big picture window so we kids could see that Santa arrived. Santa brought so many and the best presents. Larry also proudly served in the Army, being stationed in both Georgia and California.

He loved listening to Frankie Yankovich, The Oakridge Boys and other country singers. Larry and Grace had a beautiful console stereo. They enjoyed playing vinyl records listening to their favorite artists together. The console was donated to the Mayfield Village Senior Center for all to enjoy. We will miss all of your stories you told over the years and in such great detail, at times drawing pictures so we had a better understanding of what you were trying to convey. We will miss how funny you were, cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. You had the best sense of humor. We will miss the house in Mayfield Village that gave us so many wonderful memories. Your memory will always live in our hearts forever. May you rest in peace in Heaven with all those Angels who left this Earth before you. We love you.