Leonard Kurkowski Obituary

Kurkowski, Leonard Age 85, a 57-year resident of Lombard, passed from this world December 9 at Oakridge Nursing Home, Hillside, Illinois. Visitation will be held Monday, December 12 from 3 to 9 pm at Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street; Lombard. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 13 with prayers at 1:00 p.m. from Brust Funeral Home to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, for 1:30 p.m. Mass. Interment will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Wheaton. Mr. Kurkowski is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alice; two sons, Ted (Linda) of Maryland, and Gregory (Michel) of Mounds, Oklahoma; three (3) grandchildren, Tiffany, Tim and James; two (2) great-grandchildren, Kaisa and Landon; and many nieces and nephews including Lydia, Yvonne, Stan, and Lucky. Mr. Kurkowski is preceded in death by 5 brothers and sisters, Stanley, Ted, Chester, Jennie, and Anna. Leonard was born to Joseph and Mary Kurkowski on August 4, 1926 in Plymouth, Pennsylvania, a small coal mining community in the Wyoming Valley. His father died during Len's infancy and his mother passed early in his childhood. He was raised by his eldest sister, Jennie, so during his early school hood years he was faced with balancing heavy academic, athletic and after school work loads. Immediately upon high school graduation, Len was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the Armored Cavalry in Western Europe. Upon discharge from the service, Leonard moved to Chicago, married Alice, and used the GI Bill to earn his Design Engineering degree. He then embarked upon his career in design, engineering and executive management with his only employer, Chicago Manufacturing Company in Chicago, Cicero and, finally, in NW Georgia where he retired as Vice President in 1991. Len also was a staunch Chicago Bears fan since WWII. Leonard was the consummate professional and a perfectionist in any challenge he undertook. He lovingly provided advice, guidance and assistance to his family members, even helping his brother design and build his house from the ground up. As some of life's ironies, Len, who had a brilliant mind and a robust physique was beset with challenges from both cancer and dementia in this last decade. Because of this, memorials to Alzheimer's Association, 8430 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60631 would be appreciated. The family would like to commend the service at Oakridge Nursing Home in Hillside and the Hospice there. Arrangements made by Brust Funeral Home, 135 South Main Street, Lombard. Info 1-888-629-0094 or www.brustfuneralhome.com.