Leo V. Kawiecki, Dearborn, Michigan.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Passed away Tuesday, April 27 at Detroit Henry Ford Hospital after a long battle with prostate cancer.  Age 94 years.

Son of the late Joseph and Helen (Gallant) Kawiecki, Leo was born on June 21 ^st , 1927 in Saginaw, Michigan. He was one of the youngest of ten children.  While still a young child, both of Leo's parents suddenly passed away, leaving the large family orphaned and with little means of supporting themselves.  Under the courageous leadership of his eldest siblings, the family pulled together, with everyone expected to pitch in with wages from whatever jobs they could secure to support the family.  At the same time, they all stayed in school and drew support from school friends and the community.  They didn't have much, but they all stuck together, pitched in, worked hard and made it work - together.

Leo served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1946 until 1951, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

In July, 1952, Leo married the love of his life, Rose Jablonski.

Leo was encouraged by both his wife, as well as the parents of his school friends to pursue a college degree.  He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Political Science in 1954 and a Masters degree in Business from the University of Michigan in 1957.

Leo then began a long career in public education, teaching math and business courses at Pontiac Northern High School for 33 years.  In addition to teaching, Leo was committed to contributing  to the larger school and local community.  He served as the head of the school's Business Department, managed the school's bookstore, as well as the ticket sales for all school athletic  events.  During summers, Leo often managed children's recreation activities in the Pontiac Park System.

Leo was the model of quiet, stoic resilience.  He was not boastful and rarely complained or spoke of himself.  He enjoyed asking about others and encouraging them.  He was loyal, honest, modest, unassuming and always willing to pitch in and work hard, just as he had learned growing up.

Leo and Rose were members of The Church of the Divine Child.

Leo is survived by his wife of 69 years, Rose, his daughter, Sandra (Thomas) McKenty, his grandson, Dr. Nathan (Megan Scherrer) McKenty, his sisters, Virginia Krawczak, Rose Mary Collison, and brother Chester (Doris) Kawiecki.  He is pre-deceased by his parents, and his sister Mary and his brothers Bernard, Raymond, Joseph, John, and Stanley.

Private Funeral Services will be held.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to The Henry Ford Cancer Institute.

( https://www.henryford.com/development/make-a-gift )