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Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road

Chicago, Illinois

Leonard Wolniak Obituary

Wolniak, Leonard A. U.S.M.C. Veteran. Beloved husband of the late Helen A. (nee Nalepka). Loving father of Nancy (Robert "Rob") Cook, Laura, Janet (Eugene "Randy") Bender, Christina "Tinka" and Karen. Cherished grandfather of Jill and Gustavo "Gus" Cook. Dear brother of the late Ann (late Stanley) Zablocki. Fond uncle of Richard (Sharon) Otto, late Stanley "Skipper" Zablocki, late Maryann (Richard) Young. A special appreciation to the Manske family, Donna and Bob Manske, Tom and Sylvia Zarebczan. A licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 50 years, Leonard owned and operated the Wolniak Funeral Home with his late wife Helen, at both the original location in the Back of the Yards neighborhood at 46th and Wolcott and the current location at 57th and Pulaski. Former longtime parishioner at St. Turibius Church where Leonard served as an usher and a Holy Name member. For the last twenty years, Leonard was actively involved with the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis Woods in Frankfort, IL. Although always devoted to his family and community, Leonard loved his flying and boating days, the Morgan Park Academy, the Marine Corps and his special love for the University of Notre Dame, Class of 53'. Visitation Friday 2:00-9:00 p.m. at the WOLNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 5700 S. Pulaski Road in Chicago. Lying in State Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis Woods (9201 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, IL) with mass immediately following at 10:30 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Coletta's of Illinois appreciated 708-342-5200. For further information: (773) 767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com



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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 21, 2018.

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Dan & Patti (Sullivan) Prendergast

June 24, 2018

Our sincere condolences to Rob, Nancy, Jilll, Gus, family and friends during their time of sorrow.

Semper Fi

Lisseth Ihrig

June 22, 2018

Dear Nancy, Janet, and family :
Our dear Len started the "must journey " before us, we are going to miss him very much as we miss Helen. He passed the Golden Gates and they are now in paradise with our God.
Love always. Jerry, Nicole, Lisseth

Joseph/ James McPhee

June 22, 2018

I recall in 1964, stopping by the Wolcott funeral home every day to pick up Richard Otto and travel on to Worsham College. I also remember trading livery equipment with Lenny in the late 60's. He was a very educated and classy guy, who cared for the families he severed. He has left a respected legacy to his family and community. Condolences to Nancy and his entire family.

Denise Kendra-Yonkers

June 22, 2018

My deepest and sincerest sympathies to the family. He was a wonderful person and I will always remember the good times we spent out on Lake Michigan. I wish him the light and warmth of God's love for eternity. Peace, prayers, and blessings. Sincerely, Denise

Cecile Cervenka

June 22, 2018

Dear Nancy and Janet. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. He and your mom were always such a help to my mom and dad in their later years. Please know I'm thinking of you at this sad time.
Cecile Cervenka

Tim Gill

June 22, 2018

Len was a straight shooter and a very classy funeral director! My prayers go out to Nancy and all the family. Godspeed Lenny!

Melanie Special

June 21, 2018

Dear Nancy and Wolniak family,
Your father was a kind and caring man. My parents, Harry and Stephanie Kosmala both from the Back of the Yards and over 40 years at St Turibius had great respect for him and your family. Prayers and sympathy to all of you for your loss.

June 21, 2018

Dear Nancy and family,

Your Dad was a source of kindness and comfort to me and my family. He meant so much to the Back of the Yards community. May he rest in peace. Our deepest condolences.

Donna Macijunas McCann

Marguerite O'Connor

June 21, 2018

Dear Nancy & Family,
So sorry for your loss.

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Memorial Events
for Leonard Wolniak

Jun

22

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60629

Jun

23

Lying in State

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis Woods

9201 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, IL

Jun

23

Funeral Mass

10:30 a.m.

Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, St. Francis Woods

9201 W. St. Francis Rd., Frankfort, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Wolniak Funeral Home - Chicago

5700 South Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60629

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