Kenneth Joseph Karns Jr., 64, of South Euclid, Ohio, passed away on July 10, 2025, after a long illness. He was known to family and friends as Kenny.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Kenny earned an electrical-engineering degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and went on to build a 40-plus-year career in industrial automation and motion control—first as an executive and sales engineer, and for more than two decades as president of his own firm, Karns Controls Inc. Clients relied on his sharp technical mind and knack for turning complex problems into elegant solutions.

Away from work, Kenny was seldom indoors. A devoted Buffalo Bills fan, he found his happiest moments in nature—on a deer stand at dawn, casting a line on quiet waters, or piloting a boat across Lake Erie with friends aboard. His easy smile, quick wit, and unshakable optimism made every outing feel like an adventure waiting to happen.

Kenny is survived by two sisters, Gail (Philip) Buckenmeyer of Liverpool, NY, and Kathleen (John) Neilson of Rose Valley, PA; one brother, Daniel (Deborah Wu) Karns of Goshen, NY; and seven beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen (Lyons) Karns and Kenneth J. Karns Sr.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Edgewater Yacht Club Pavilion, 6700 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102. At 7:00 p.m. a sunset cruise on Lake Erie will depart for a blessing and scattering of Kenny's cremated remains. Friends are invited to share stories, laughter, and memories of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Friends and family are encouraged to post photos and memories on this page to help celebrate Kenny's remarkable journey.

Lake Erie Cremation and Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements.

www.LakeErieCrematory.com