Kenneth Kaczmarek

Kenneth Kasimer Kaczmarek, 87, of High Point, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at Maryfield at Pennybyrn in High Point.

Kenneth was born on July 2, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the late Arthur and Evelyn Kilps Kaczmarek. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Boys Technical High School. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree in business and economics from Wayne State University.

In 1961, Kenneth married Carol Pietrzak, and they shared 65 wonderful years together. During this time, they welcomed two daughters.Their marriage was marked by love, family, adventure, and a shared commitment to helping others.

Kenneth began his professional career with American Motors Corporation. He later worked for other major automotive companies, including Chrysler Motor Corporation in Detroit, Michigan, and ultimately Volvo Trucks North America, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. When Volvo relocated its headquarters, Kenneth and Carol moved to North Carolina in 1983. Kenneth retired from Volvo in 1994.

Throughout his career, Kenneth traveled extensively, and he and his family shared a love of travel. Many of his journeys were made with Carol and their two daughters, June and Jacky. These family trips became some of their most cherished and memorable times together.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kenneth devoted considerable time and energy to serving others and contributing to his community. Earlier in his life, he served on the boards of directors of several corporations, including Spartan Motors. During his years at Pennybyrn, he served on its board of directors as well.

Kenneth was especially passionate about the Sister Parish Program through the Catholic Church. Kenneth helped set up the program working with the sister church in Ecuador. He and Carol, and hundreds of others, helped provide funding for schools, individual students, and related organizations in Ecuador, South America. He also volunteered through the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, helping establish businesses and entrepreneurial programs and assisting students in developing business plans designed to create sustainable businesses.

During his later years at Pennybyrn, Kenneth continued to find meaningful ways to stay active and connected with others. Most recently, he enjoyed walking dogs for friends and neighbors. This gave him an opportunity to remain active while spending time with people in the community he had come to know and love.

Kenneth will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his commitment to helping others, his love of travel, and his lifelong interest in business and entrepreneurship. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with Carol, his daughters, extended family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Allen Strode.

Left to cherish Kenneth’s memory are his wife, Carol Pietrzak Kaczmarek; daughters, June Kaczmarek and Jacky Kaczmarek; brother, Russell Kaczmarek; sisters, Theresa Strode and Rita Jimenez and her husband, Alfredo; nieces, Cheryl Poth and Susan Dederich; nephew, Steven Strode; great-niece, Karmen Dippmann; great-nephews, Jack Dederich and Nathan Dederich; sisters-in-law Pat and Mary Pietrzak; and many additional brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A memorial service celebrating Kenneth’s life will be held in the Maryfield Chapel at Pennybyrn, followed by a visitation for family and friends in Ilderton Hall at Pennybyrn. The date and time will be announced when finalized.

Wright Funerals–Cremations of High Point is assisting the family with arrangements.