Jeffrey Lane Kidder, 68, Adored His Grandchildren

He was born February 16, 1954 in Elyria to the late Killie and Virgil Kidder. While raised in Oberlin, Ohio, Jeff also spent time with his beloved Grandparents John “Dido” and Mary Kowalchyck in South Lorain, Ohio. Jeff was a graduate from Keystone High School in 1972 and was well known for his athletic accomplishments, including leading Keystone’s 1971 football team to their first undefeated season as quarterback. Jeff and his 1971 teammates were inducted in the inaugural year of the Keystone Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Jeff also played baseball, basketball and ran track at KHS, participated in the marching band and was a member of the National Honor Society. Following high school, Jeff pursued a career in computer programming and spent the majority of his career at Bendix in Elyria. In 1995, he started his own IT consulting business which he ran for over 10 years before his retirement.

Jeff married the late Roxann Sebastian (nee Nowak) in 1975 and became a father to two daughters. Jeff was very proud of his girls and throughout his life he enjoyed supporting them in their endeavors. In 1982, Jeff married Amy Zuber (nee Fleck) and together they enjoyed many years of raising their family, pursuing their careers, traveling the world and enjoying scenic views of the Black River valley from their home in Elyria.

Among Jeff’s greatest joys in life were his grandchildren, who he loved spending time with and closely followed in all their activities. He also adored his dogs and cats, and was an avid supporter of many philanthropic organizations, particularly those that serve veterans, children, the homeless and animals. Jeff’s hobbies included studying the universe and quantum physics, and reading about science, history and meteorology. He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, playing golf and venturing out in the worst of weather conditions to get closer to the action.

Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents John “Dido” and Mary Kowalchyk and parents Killie Kidder (nee Kowalchyk) and Virgil Kidder.

He is survived by his daughters Kelly Kidder of Elyria, and Kristy Applegate (nee Kidder) (Wes) of Zionsville, IN, his brother David Kidder (Joan) of Oberlin, and his sister Ladrien Jordan (Keith) of Elyria, his grandchildren Maria Stanziano (Paul), Samantha Applegate, Luke Applegate and Karl Gawlas. Additional survivors include stepdaughter Lisa Zuber (John Gawlas) of Ypsilanti, MI, stepson KC Zuber of Avon Lake, cousins Bob Perusek, Greg Perusek (Theresa) and Pat Perusek, and his nieces and nephews.

Friends and family will be received from 4pm to 7pm Wednesday, May 4 at Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. There will be a funeral procession beginning at 11am at the funeral chapel on Thursday May 5. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friendship Animal Protective League or Keystone Athletic Teams Supporters.

Condolences for the family can be made online at www.gluvna.net.