Leon Czarnecki entered into eternal rest November 8, 2018, at age 95. Leon is survived by Elfriede, his devoted wife of 66 years, children Steve (Christine), Anita Sheridan, Paul (Denise), John (Lynelle) and grandchildren Zachary, Forrest, Maia, and Cade.
An otherwise modest man, he boasted only of his kids and grandkids, in whom he took enormous pride. Born in Opinagora, Poland and raised on a farm, he endured the time of Nazi occupation and later evaded the advancing Soviet army as World War II ended, making his way to the American sector of Germany to take refuge in Mannheim and work for the Allied forces, where he also met his wife to be, Elfriede. They planned a future and journeyed to America, marrying, settling in Chicago, and raising their family there and later in Arlington Heights and Mt. Prospect.
With exemplary work ethic, Leon first labored for Budlong Pickles in Chicago while attending night school. Soon thereafter, his new skills led to work as bookkeeper and then credit manager for A.C. McClurg & Co. He completed his career at Electro-Motive Division of General Motors, and remained always grateful for the security of union benefits.
Leon was an avid gardener even into his 90s, gladly sharing his garden’s bounty, a student of Polish history, a creative “fix-it man” around the house, and a determined crossword puzzle enthusiast.
Leon appreciated the compassionate care given by Dr. Chong Ho Ahn, his trusted doctor of many years, and the staff of Lutheran Home, especially aides J.R. and Maria.
The family invites you to share memories of Leon during visitation hours on Monday, November 12, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friedrich’s Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd., (at Northwest Highway) Mt. Prospect, IL 60056.
Please join in celebrating his life in Christ on Tuesday November 13 with Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. at St. Raymond de Penafort Catholic Church, Elmhurst Rd., (Rt. 83) & Lincoln St., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 and interment at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines.
For those so wishing, instead of flowers, please consider making a charitable gift in Leon’s memory to the Lutheran Home Foundation or JourneyCare Foundation.