Kenneth Walter Brace

Kenneth Walter Brace,

76, of Koontz Lake, Indiana, passed away April 22, 2021.  He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Mary Omiecinski on June 4, 1944.  Ken was raised on the south side of Chicago in the Roseland neighborhood, where he enjoyed life with older brothers Ray and Art.  After high school, he moved to Cromwell, Connecticut to attend Holy Apostle’s Seminary, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.  Ken then earned a Master’s degree in Sociology from Valparaiso University in 1972.  He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry prior to becoming an ordained minister. One of his greatest joys was to minister to people in the local community.  He enjoyed teaching the Word of God, sharing his faith, and continually found his strength in the Lord.

Ken had a lifelong love of learning, and always enjoyed exploring new things.  An avid reader, his favorite subjects included history, philosophy and religion.  He also gained knowledge through his adventures and found joy in traveling and experiencing new places and cultures.  Kenneth was interested in trains and especially captivated by steam locomotives. Classical music remained a lifelong passion and he greatly enjoyed his collection of favorite composers.

He will also be remembered for his ability to create.  Whether he was woodworking, fixing things, or telling a great story, Ken had a memorable way of making things for the people he loved. Living a life of service guided Ken and led to his many years volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for disadvantaged youth and also at The Neighborhood Center (a community food and clothing pantry).

Ken’s favorite story to tell involved meeting his beautiful bride while teaching English at a local university in Lima, Peru and how their great love story has spanned fifty years. He found joy in fatherhood being a wonderful dad to his two children, Walter and Sara, and relished the role of grandfather.

Ken was a man of God who cherished his family.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Marta; his son, Walter (Alison) Brace; grandchildren, Josiah and Rachel Brace; son-in-law, Greg Galbreath; brother, Arthur (Susan) Brace; sister-in-law, Sharon Omiecinski; several nieces and nephews; and a loving extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Marie Galbreath; and brother, Raymond Omiecinski.

A Celebration of Kenneth’s life will be held at the Koontz Lake Missionary Church in Koontz Lake, Indiana (8044 N. State Rd. 23, Walkerton, IN 46574) on Saturday, June 5th, 2021. Friends and family may visit beginning at 10 AM EDT, followed by a memorial service at 11 AM EDT.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International via their website www.gideons.org/donate as their mission to share the Bible with many around the world was near to Ken’s heart.