Leon Albert Lopetkiewicz

A man who was known and loved by many, Leon Lopetkiewicz brightened the days of all those within his reach. A devoted husband, nurturing father, and loyal friend, Leon was a true gift in the lives of many.

Although the Great Depression still blanketed our nation, the year 1937 saw a repeated drop in the unemployment rate while an engineering feat came to fruition with the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge. This year was a year to remember for a young woman named Rose Lopetkiewicz as she was pleased to announce the birth of her newborn son on July 28th. Baby Leon was born in Taylor County in Lublin, Wisconsin, and was raised solely by his mother. His formative years were not easy for him, and he entered the workforce at a young age. Leon worked on both a potato farm and a pig farm, which developed within him a love for animals.

As a young boy growing up Leon enjoyed fishing, hunting, racing cars, and demolition derbies. He attended local schools through grade school.

Life was forever changed for Leon when he met the love of his life. Her name was Bonnie Bennett and they were introduced by Bonnie’ sister, Betty, with whom Leon was good friends. It was love at first sight for young Leon and after falling deeply in love, he married his sweetheart on July 25, 1959.

Together Leon and Bonnie were blessed with five children: Pauline, Karen, Shela, Carol, and Leon Jr. As fathers go Leon was the best as his love for his children was apparent. He provided an affectionate pet name for each of his children, and he strived to provide them with some of the things he was not able to have during his childhood. Fun-filled family memories were made when they went to Meurer Bakery for breakfast from time to time, and he also regularly took them fishing. Leon even taught them how to fish using a cane pole. His children especially loved it when he took them camping and since Leon was a truck driver, it was always special when his children were able to ride along in the truck. Most of his working days found Leon driving a dump truck.

There were so many things that made Leon such a unique man. He had the gift of gab and could carry on a conversation with anyone and everyone. Leon deeply enjoyed getting to know people and made friends with ease. His love for animals remained with him throughout his life, and he almost always had a pet. One of his favorite pets was his yellow parakeet, Eve, that he received on Christmas Eve, which is how she got her name.

Life was not without times of struggle for Leon. He was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved Bonnie in 2006. Leon developed his own health issues as well, most of which involved his heart and lungs. His health eventually required hospitalization this past April, and from there he was sent to St. Luke’s Medical Center where he later drew his last breath.

Although life will never be the same without Leon Lopetkiewicz here, his memory will never be forgotten.

Leon Lopetkiewicz died on December 3, 2011. Leon’s family includes 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie. Visitation Wednesday, December 7 at the Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon. Interment Forest Home Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Suminski LifeStory Funeral Homes, 2486 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, 414-744-5156. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.