Search by Name

Search by Name

Leonard J. "Lenny" Zuba

Leonard J. "Lenny" Zuba obituary, Wauwatosa, WI

FUNERAL HOME

Leonard Zuba Obituary

Zuba, Leonard J. "Lenny" Of Wauwatosa. Born to Eternal Life Monday, April 8, 2013. Age 84. Beloved husband for 60 years to Marcella (née Rodriguez). Dear father of Jerome (Betty Jo), Jeff, Joe (Rebecca) and John (Suzanne). Loving grandfather of Zak (Jen), Sheila (Victor) Perez, Carly Jo, Jake, Jessica (Andrew) Rechcygl, Alayna, Jo Jo and LuLu. Dear brother of Ronald (Romy). Dear brother-in-law of Josephine. Further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Gene, Robert and Frank. Visitation is on Friday, April 12, from 4:00 PM until Mass of Christian Burial at 7:00 PM, at ST. PIUS X CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2506 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI. Private entombment at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Vincent de Paul Society are appreciated. Leonard was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He had a very special place in his heart for his family, especially Marcella, who cared for him throughout his later years. Together, they raised four sons and were blessed with eight grandchildren. For 48 years, he owned and operated Gordon's Coffee Shop on East Center St. in Milwaukee. It was said to be where "The Elite Meet To Eat". The family of Leonard Zuba would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at St. Camillus for their superior care along with Dr. Michelle Tschopp for her above and beyond compassion and medical care. Famous 'Lenny-ism' from Gordon's Coffee Shop: "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Soup, No Service"

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Apr. 11, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Zuba

Not sure what to say?





Daniel TwoDogs Gaetz

May 12, 2023

Lenny gave me my first job. Often think of him. He was a good man.

Gary Strnad

April 5, 2023

MR. Zuba was a true gentlemen, and I think often!

Gary Strnad

April 5, 2020

Some of my fondest memories of Milwaukee was eating Lunch @ "Gordons" and conversing with Lenny, Pat, and Rich!

Gary Strnad
USSS Retired 1991

Kevin Cartier

April 17, 2013

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Zuba's death. The Zuba family is among the truly great "clans" of Wauwatosa. Mr. Zuba will long be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Peace.

Kathleen Cereceres

April 16, 2013

Gordon's had the best food ever! When I was a little girl my mother would take me to Gordon's to eat; it was like our little get away from the rest my siblings - 8 total. I remember eating the rice pudding it was wonderful! When I'm in the old neighborhood I always pass by and try to imagine Gordon's and how it was. The picture of Mr. Zuba is exactly how I remember him! If we could only visit the past! My mom is gone now too; maybe he will cook up some good grub for her in Gordon's Heaven.
Kathy & Mother Angie

Mick Bentrup

April 16, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the Zuba family. I grew up in the neighborhood and attended St. Casmir's School and one of the great treats in life was going to Gordon's to eat. After high school I was lucky enough to get a job at UPS and my route included Gordon's restaurant so I got to eat there 2 or 3 times a week.The food was fantasic but the constant show that Lenny put on was even more of a treat. I'd like to share a few of the Lenny humor lines that always made me laugh: like when a customer would first sit down at the counter and ask Lenny what would you suggest and Lenny would reply I'd suggest you eat somewhere else,or when leaving a customer would shout out a thanks and Lenny would say just leave your thanks under the plate,or when I'd order a doughnut he would yell over to Rick and say dust off one of the doughnut and give it to the sucker...I mean Mick at the end of the counter. As we all know it was almost impossible to out wit Lenny because he was as sharp as they come.

I still find myself to this day telling people of this gem of a restaurant and some of the banter that was all Lenny. Lenny thanks for the laughs.

Peggy Bentrup

April 16, 2013

Thanks Lenny for having the restaurant in our neigborhood. Always ordered the super burger on a hard roll and loved the salmon patties with egg sauce never had anything better. My thoughts and prayers for your family.

Peter Kaminsky

April 15, 2013

My heart felt sympathy to Marcy, Jerry, Jeff, Joe and John. My mother, Jane Kaminsky, informed me of Lenny's passing this evening. I have very fond memories of playing "kick the can" and softball in the alley behind our houses on 25th and Burleigh. Lenny was a very special man,father and husband. Peace be with you.

David & Suzanne Scasny

April 14, 2013

My sister and I worked for Lenny at Gordon's in 1968. He was our first boss. He always treated us with respect and made us laugh. We will always have good memories of him.

Daniel and Smokey Crownover/Kirton

April 14, 2013

I was saddened to hear and then read of Lenny's transition. I found more about his earlier years reading the Journal Sentinel. My husband, Daniel and I were frequent patrons of Gordon's and thought of Lenny as our personal chef when we lived right next door for several years. What a treat to get up and know fresh squeezed orange juice was waiting as well as breakfast. We ate their frequently and knew the daily specials for each day. I remember Gertie and the wonderful, wonderful ladies (Gertie,Phyliss and the third sister) and their husbands who lived up above the restaurant. Gertie would come down late in the day to do the silverware. They were so kind to us and I thought they were so refined. Gordon's was our "home" for many years. My husband now makes the pork tenderloins with the tomato sauce as well as the Eat More casserole and that's our trip back to the good old days. How saddened we were when the decision was made to close the restaurant, the end of an era. Lenny could sound loud at times but he had a heart of gold. We have one of the tables from Gordon's and will always keep it. I ate the soup but not the czarnina. I moved to Milwuakee from SC so this was such a cultural experience for me. I loved it. We moved from MIlwaukee in 1999.
May the memories you hold so close to your heart console you. May knowing Lenny's life impacted so many people's lives positively (and not just the food) bring you comfort as well. We can celebrate his life, his love, th blessings of their days, the happiness they gave to us in countless special ways.

Perhaps they are not the stars,
But rather openings in
Heaven where the love of our
Lost ones pours through and
Shines down upon us to let us
Know they are happy.

Eskimo Legend

Our thoughts are with you and your family. May god bless.

Ann Zuba Jolly

April 14, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Aunt Marcie and the boys and their families. Uncle Lenny leaves many fond and happy memories for me and my family.

Love to All

April 13, 2013

I enjoyed the story so much of Lenny's life running the Riverwest cafe. My condolences to John Zuba, his mother Marcy, and the rest of the Zuba family.

Elizabeth Ritter, CPA
Tax Link LLC

Allan Morris

April 13, 2013

I grew up 2 blocks south of Gordon's in the 800 block of East Wright Street and attended Riverside High School. During lunch we would often come back across the bridge to eat lunch at Gordon's. I am 62 and to this day those are still the best burgers I've ever had.

Lenny and Gordon's made the neighborhood a little nicer place to live.

My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Zuba family.

Candida Mestayer

April 13, 2013

Deepest sympathy from one of those hippies who always enjoyed Lenny's humor and soup. As we aged, we took our children along as a special treat. Well done Lenny, well done. Thank you!

April 12, 2013

Our sincere sympathy to Marcie & sons and the entire family for your loss. You were great neighbors in Tosa and a truly wonderful family. May fond memories of your extraordinary husband/father bring comfort to you all during this difficult time. God bless you all, and we will keep you in our prayers.

Marjorie Stahl and Family

Paul Boyle

April 12, 2013

Many Boyle boys' childhood memories have the Zuba boys involved. As a student at UWM traveling from Tosa to campus, I would plan my day to have time to stop in at Gordons for a meal. It was just awesome watching Mr. Zuba working the crowd. What positive energy. A great, great memory. It was easy to see how each boy was a chip off the old block. A shout out to offer my family's thoughts and prayers to the Zuba family as they celebrate the life of a true legend.

Pattie Collins-Krymkowski

April 12, 2013

It's been a long time, and was part of my childhood going to Auntie Pearls house every Saturday with my dad (Ben) to shave grandpa Krymkowski, and stopping at the restaurant .

My deepest sympathy goes out to Marcy and her sons. Your cousin.. PAttie

Joe Porubcan

April 12, 2013

Years ago I was shopping and heard a voice from the past- Lenny! I recognized the voice right away and said hello. More years ago (in the 80s), when the Crazy Shepherd office was on Wright Street, we all spent a good deal of time at Gordon's. Most original Shepherders have long ago moved on. They and Lenny will always have a place in my heart. Yes, growing old DOES take a long time. Luckily, I am on that road. I'm certain Lenny's family will miss him terribly. It may be hard to see now, but you are very lucky for that.

mark scheftner

April 12, 2013

Deepest condolences to the Zuba Family. Been friends with John and Suzanne for many years and know what a strong positive influence Lenny had on the whole family.

Bill Clark

April 12, 2013

I never needed a menu.Soup and kielbasa for me every time.God bless you Lenny.

Doug Lueck

April 12, 2013

Sincere condolences to Marcie, the boys and rest of the extended family (and Rich).

Heidi, Heather, Neil and I ate many meals at that magical place known as Gordon's Coffee Shop. I sometimes tried to out-wisecrack His Honor, the mayor of East Center Street. To no avail!

He was a great guy who always had a twinkle in his eye.

Doug Lueck
Still in Riverwest and missing that original local color

Gary Strnad

April 11, 2013

My prayers and thoughts are with Lenny's
family and friends.

I often ate at what I called: "Gor-DONS, A French restaurant, on the East Side". Many fond memories.

"Sarge"

Glen & Sue Klinger

April 11, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tom Heinen

April 11, 2013

My deepest condolences to Mrs.Zuba and the Zuba boys. I loved hanging out at your house as a kid. Great memories of bball in the driveway and "toasted" cheese sandwiches! An awesome family, led by a wonderful Dad. You are all in my prayers.

Mary Carey

April 11, 2013

Enjoyed good food and good fun at Gordon's with my Mom, Millie Puza. Lenny was a great guy and will be missed.

Wally Pokrzywa

April 11, 2013

Lenny you will always be remembered. As a fellow bowler, your tax man and most important as a friend your a great man with a great family. I will miss your humor. See you in heaven!

April 11, 2013

I ate at Gordon's many times with my Mom...Millie Puza and loved Lenny's sense of humor! He could have shot me when I asked "what kind of pies to you have" and after he rattled them all off, I just said I'll have a sundae.

Bob & Nick Cavallo

April 11, 2013

Gone but NEVER Forgotten. Thank You Lenny for being you. I now share a part of Lenny Just by knowing him. What a GREAT Man, and Husband and Father he was and always will be....because of his 4 boys, their wives and the grandchildren. My sorrow, sympathy and Strength go out to Marcie, the boys, their families, and relatives and many many friends. It takes a long tome to grow old friends. Keep on cooking Lenny.

louise ann wisinski

April 11, 2013

You're a part of my childhood. My dad, Ed Wisinski used to take me to your restaurant on a weekly basis. My sympathies to your family; RIP

Tom Casanova

April 11, 2013

My sympathies to the Zuba family. I am sorry for your loss.

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

Make a Donation
in Leonard Zuba's name

Memorial Events
for Leonard Zuba

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Schmidt & Bartelt

WI

How to support Leonard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Leonard Zuba's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more